Ku-ring-gai wins Keep Australia Beautiful awards

Published on 16 October 2023

Shed 11 at St Ives took out a top award with two Council programs receiving high commendations.

The 2023 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW awards were presented this week to recognise the sustainability initiatives of metropolitan councils, businesses and community groups.

Gemma Wlasichuk, co-founder of the upcycling business Shed 11 at St Ives, won the Local Legends (25-65 years) category for her Paint to Donate Australia initiative.

Paint to Donate is a partnership between Shed Eleven and Annie Sloan Interiors, with the goal of redirecting unwanted furniture to not-for-profit organisations.

Shed 11’s Paint to Donate project helped the Hornsby Kuringgai Women’s Shelter in their House to Home project. All up, 98 items of furniture and homewares donated by local residents were upcycled at volunteer working bees for the Shelter.

Ku-ring-gai Council received two high commendations in this year’s awards. The Council’s ‘Loving Living Ku-ring-gai’ program received a commendation in the Communication & Engagement category.

A joint partnership with AusMapp and the Council investigating ways to reduce rubber crumb loss from synthetic sportsfield surfaces received a commendation in the Litter Prevention - Clean Waterways category.

Ku-ring-gai Council was also a finalist in the overall Sustainable Cities award.

When deputising for the event, Deputy Mayor Christine Kay said the awards acknowledged the community and Council’s efforts to become more sustainable.

“We will continue supporting community initiatives whenever we can that reduce pollution and waste, and work towards achieving our Net Zero goals.”

For more information about the Keep Australia Beautiful awards visit https://kab.org.au

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Media enquiries: Sally Williams Ku-ring-gai Council 9424 0000.