Shire of Williams named WA’s top tidy town for 2025, recognising environmental care and community initiatives

A Wheatbelt shire has been recognised as the State’s tidiest town.

The Shire of Williams received the 2025 State award for tidy towns sustainable communities at Optus Stadium on Friday, admired for its strong environmental stewardship and community-led initiatives.

Shire of Williams chief executive Peter Stubb said the award was a “remarkable honour” that has cultivated pride across all demographics of the community.

“It is quite empowering and motivating, so we’ll be constantly looking at how we can take the next step and improve things further,” he said.

The town topped a list of five finalists, contesting Kalgoorlie, Port Hedland, South Hedland, Sandstone and Moora for the award.

The award is judged across 10 categories, including the town’s overall presentation, litter management, youth engagement, waste stream management and community environment initiatives.

Williams stood out with its bushwalks, waterwise planting, public solar lighting, regular clean-up activities and beautification projects.

The award recognised the Williams Primary School Wildlife Warriors program, which, according to judges, supports environmental awareness from a young age as students clean-up and revegetate the local riverbank.

The Bush Brothers Op Shop, the local tip shop, and the Containers for Change initiative were also factors in the win, as they promoted reusing and recycling over throwing things out.

Williams Community Resource Centre was recognised for supporting social connection through inclusive programs like Teens Club, Rhyme Time, and the Evolve Festival.

Mr Stubbs said it was inspiring hearing the work other communities were being recognised for.

“The great thing about the awards is you get to hear and share the stories about what other communities are doing, so that was a very inspiring day,” he said.

“When you sit in a room with people that are passionate about their own communities, you can’t help but be impressed and think that the world’s a better place because there’s passionate people out there doing great things.”

Williams’ win marks the 56th State champion for the Keep Australia Beautiful council program.

Environment Minister Matthew Swinbourn said the award showcased initiatives that enhance the environment, social cohesion and local pride.

“Community spirit shines in Williams, where people come together with a shared purpose to care for their clean, welcoming and environmentally conscious town,” he said.

“It’s wonderful to hear the stories of people who are not only enhancing the beauty of our environment but also strengthening the social fabric of regional towns and making their communities better places to live, work and visit.”