Getting started

Most communities start a Tidy Towns Committee (TTC), which oversees and reports on activities in the community, acting as a coordinating group to link all interests together. The TTC can vary greatly in size, structure and focus, but generally it:

• meets to plan projects for the year
• coordinates and/or reports (via a standardised submission form) on the activities of all the groups in the community who have agreed to be part of the Tidy Towns effort
• represents a link between the community, local government, the Keep Australia Beautiful Council (KABC) and Department of Environment and Conservation officers.

Who should be involved?

The main players in Tidy Towns - Sustainable Communities usually include:

• Local Government authorities are important players for providing assistance and guidance to the TTC. They also liaise between councillors, gardeners, shire workers, shire-sponsored community groups and schools to ensure work is carried out in accordance with the community's wishes.
• Business and Industry can help analyse environmental problems specific to the operation of the town's businesses, and provide sponsorship for these activities by providing materials or funding. This group may also include tourist and visitor centres, Chambers of Commerce, mining companies and other industries operating in the shire.
• Local schools are a rich source of ideas and TTCs are encouraged to approach them to assist with the preparation of their portfolio. KABC has a document that can help teachers to incorporate Tidy Towns projects into the school curriculum for country schools. The Tidy Towns program has an important role to play in helping to develop effective environmental education programs in all grades of schools. School children are an important group for getting messages out to parents, as well as changing public opinion. You could also consider parents' and citizens' committees, adult education groups and school councils.
• The media is an important asset in helping to disseminate messages. Media outlets can publicise and gain assistance for projects and help with public awareness campaigns. When approaching the media, think about local newspapers, radio, television and editors of community newsletters such as schools, service clubs, community or environmental groups.
• Community and Service Groups often undertake Tidy Towns-type activities and their efforts should be recognised as part of Tidy Towns. They may develop innovative projects related to environmental challenges, litter control, or the restoration of historic buildings. Liaison with groups such as Land for Wildlife, Bushcare, Ribbons of Blue or World Wildlife Fund (WWF) may also provide a good opportunity to broaden the environmental scope of Tidy Towns.
• Youth (young people up to the age of about 30) can be the most difficult to engage in Tidy Towns. Your local service club, Rural Youth Club, young farmers' group, church group, Community Development or Youth Officer at your local government may be able to offer advice.

You may wish to have someone from each group on your TTC to ensure your planning represents all sectors of the community. If this seems a bit daunting, remember that a TTC belongs to your community - it can be as simple or as complex as you need - basically it is whatever works best for your community.

A TTC is not expected to carry out all of the activities itself. Your TTC can coordinate and participate in some projects, but your main work should be in reporting on projects for other groups within the community. You should plan any of your own TTC projects with strict regard for your group's capacity.

Also, remember that if your town is large or a city, you could concentrate your efforts on part of it this year and focus your efforts on another part next year, in line with your long term Tidy Towns plan. Or you may wish to undertake one or two suggestions or initiatives (Recycling & Waste Management, Natural Heritage Conservation, Enhancing Cultural Identity and Water Conservation) this year, and focus on suggestions in future years.

Remember that Tidy Towns is not about how much money you spend on materials, your ability to produce a professional looking portfolio, or the relative size of the town, it is simply your ability to do the best with what your community already has. Communities that do well engage a broad range of community members.