Mornington Peninsula Named Victoria’s Tidy Town for 2025

Mornington Peninsula has been named Victoria’s Tidy Town for 2025, acknowledging the region’s community-led sustainability work, from coastal protection to renewable energy innovation.

Peninsula Acknowledged for Community-Led Sustainability

The Mornington Peninsula has been named Victoria’s Tidy Town for 2025, recognising ongoing work to protect the region’s coastline, reduce waste and strengthen community engagement through environmental programs.

The award, presented by Keep Australia Beautiful Victoria (KAB VIC), highlights the combined efforts of local volunteers, schools and the Mornington Peninsula Shire Council in promoting practical sustainability and environmental awareness.

Local Initiatives Recognised

Two Peninsula projects were also recognised with category awards:

  • Coastal Process Education and Dune Erosion Mitigation – commended for its education and behaviour change campaign, helping residents and students better understand dune systems and coastal erosion.
  • Virtual Energy Network Pilot – awarded for innovation in energy sharing, linking council and community buildings to produce and use locally generated renewable power.

Local ecologist Gidja Walker OAM received the Dame Phyllis Frost Award for more than three decades of work restoring native vegetation and leading community-based environmental education across the Peninsula.

Community Impact

The recognition follows years of coordinated volunteer efforts through local groups such as Landcare, Beach Patrol and school sustainability programs.
For many, the award serves as acknowledgement of ongoing community pride rather than a one-off achievement.

The Mornington Peninsula Shire says it will continue to support coastal protection and renewable energy initiatives as part of its broader climate and sustainability goals.