Kogarah, has been named Australia’s most sustainable city, thanks to environmental, financial and social programs implemented by its council.
Kogarah’s Mayor Mr Nickolas Varvaris, flew to Perth last week to accept trophies for his council’s overall sustainability along with separate awards in the Keep Australia Beautiful Association’s ‘heritage and culture’ and ‘community action and partnerships’ divisions. The City of Kogarah was named Overall Winner of the Keep Australia Beautiful National Sustainable Cities Award.
“What a tremendous honour this is for the city and people of Kogarah,” said Mayor Varvaris, as he accepted the award on behalf of the City of Kogarah at the Perth ceremony. Kogarah won the award ahead of other state finalists including Yarra City Council, City of Subiaco, Ipswich City Council, City of Charles Sturt and City of Bernie.
Other Kogorah projects also recognised for their innovation and environmental outcomes included the Beverley Park Water Reclamation Plant, the Solar Works Depot and the Carss Park Community Gardens. “We are a council that punches well above its weight and this comes about due to a real team effort. Councillors, residents and staff have all played an important role and today, we’re all very proud of what we have achieved. We’re also excited about what lies ahead in the future’, said the Mayor in his acceptance speech. Mayor Varvaris said the awards were a “tremendous honour” that would “put Kogarah on the map. “You can pick up a lot of awards in different categories but overall you need a combined effort in a lot of categories to get you over the line.”