NEWS:

Residents, community groups and schools in the Shire of Baulkham Hills, as well as the Parramatta, Blacktown and Holroyd local government areas, may be rewarded for local environmental projects in the 2005 Regional Environment Awards.

The Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust and the four local councils sponsor the Awards. Applicants can win up to $6,000 for future an environmental project.

Entries from the Hills area won both the Individual and Education Categories in last year's awards. 16 year old Zac Gazzard from North Rocks won the Individual category for his fox monitoring project, whilst Carlingford West Public School won the Education category for the establishment of a Bush Tucker Garden.

Carlingford West Public teacher, Jane Lodge, said the children were thrilled with their award last year. "The children have had much more of an interest in the environment through the project," she explained. "The school looks better too."

The prize money has been used to purchase more plants for the Bush Tucker Garden

Stephen Lees, the Executive Officer of the Upper Parramatta River Catchment Trust, remarked:

"Our community is working hard to help improve the local environment, often with very little recognition. The Trust and the Councils want to recognise those efforts and encourage everyone to keep up the good work. If you know of anyone who should be recognised, please nominate them."

The awards are open to anyone or any organisation in the Baulkham Hills, Blacktown, Holroyd and Parramatta local government areas whose activities or projects have helped the local environment.

Winners in the categories of individual, community group and school in each local government area will each receive $250 for a future environmental project. These winners will then be independently judged for a $1,000 prize in each category. The best overall nominee will collect the Diamond Award valued at $5,000.

To nominate yourself, or suggest a worthy person or organization, please call Felicity Dangerfield at the Trust on 9891 4633 or visit the web site at www.uprct.nsw.gov.au for an entry form. Applications close on Friday 6 May 2005.

Photo caption: Carlingford West Public School students Bhanu, Sydney and Henri, showing Baulkham Hills Shire Council's Environmental Education Officer, Sue Martin (left) and teacher Jane Lodge (right) some of the plants for the school's Bush Tucker Garden