Published on 12 May 2025
The township of Rye was proudly represented at the Keep Australia Beautiful Tidy Towns Sustainability Awards, held 2 – 4 May 2025 in Beechworth. Councillor Max Patton attended on behalf of Mornington Peninsula Shire and presented on two of Rye’s nominated projects. Rye was one of six communities from across the country shortlisted for the national ‘Tidy Town of the Year’ title, after being named Victoria’s Tidy Town for 2024. The national Tidy Towns Awards celebrate outstanding community efforts that strengthen sustainability, local pride, liveability and inclusion in rural and regional Australia. We congratulate Launceston on being awarded the 2025 national title. Local Rye resident Mechelle Cheers received the prestigious Dame Phyllis Frost Local Hero Award – the highest individual honour in the Tidy Towns program. The award recognises individuals who have made extraordinary and sustained contributions to their communities and environment. Mechelle is a respected community leader, known for her deep and enduring dedication to Rye’s environment and community. She has been instrumental in numerous local initiatives including the Rye Coastal Wetland Project, conserving Vulnerable Moonah Woodland, working with others to establish Rye Beach Patrol, and advocating for accessible infrastructure and cultural heritage recognition. Two of Rye’s nominated projects also received national commendations:
Quotes attributable to Mayor Councillor Anthony Marsh: “It’s great to see Rye’s community efforts acknowledged nationally. These projects reflect a genuine care for place and people.” Quotes attributable to Nepean Ward Councillor Andrea Allen: “It’s such an achievement for Rye to be recognised on the national stage. Congratulations to Mechelle Cheers for winning the Dame Phyllis Frost Local Hero award. It is a very well deserved acknowledgement of all her hard work on various initiatives over many years for our local community."
Photos by: Paul Benjamin Photography.