Today in Caloundra the winners of the Ergon Energy Tidy Towns - South East Queensland Regional Winners 2007 have been announced. TM Landcare is proud to inform you that the Bush Spirit Award has been won by the Tamborine Mountain community in general, and our organisation in particular. A great gesture to the hard work and support of members. TM Landcare applied for the award in a submission emphasising the community spirit of the mountain.

The TM Chamber of Commerce, The TM Garden Club and the TM Natural History Association participated in this project as well. On 1 June the presidents of these four organisations, together with Cr. Vanessa Bull, displayed the shared efforts of the Tamborine Mountain community to the Tidy Towns jury. Obviously the judges were impressed, giving the Bush Spirit Award to our mountain.

In the announcement the jury expressed its appreciation, and in particular for the shared submissions of seven groups regarding the shire amalgamation issue. It shows once again the tremendous value of partnerships. Details about this award will be published in the local and regional newspapers. More information: Landcare’s secondhand bookshop Piccabeen (near Forest Café), www.tamborinemtnlandcare.org.au  or 55451847

Press release by the Tidy Towns Organisation:
Australia Post Bush Spirit Award: Tamborine Mountain
This award recognises communities which are facing or have faced difficult times, but which show outstanding commitment to solving problems by turning them into opportunities.
There is a concerning factor within all communities and councils across the State at present regarding Shire amalgamation. In particular, The Tamborine Land Care group, who in conjunction with seven other community groups, have expressed great concerns about the future of preserving the scenic and rural amenity of the mountain and its rainforests.
Since Tamborine Mountain Landcare’s inception in 2003, the organisation has evolved into one of the major community groups on the mountain implementing successful activities in rainforest conservation revegetation within its community and local Council. In response to Shire Amalgamation and fear of losing what they have worked so hard to achieve - and hope to achieve in the future - the Mount Tamborine Chamber of Commerce, Zonta, Mount Tamborine Progress Association, The Concerned Citizens Group, The Natural History Association, The Garden Club, and Landcare have joined forces and submitted a declaration to the Queensland Government. This declaration clearly states community priorities that they believe are essential for the current and future well-being of a community and its environment regardless of what council they are associated with. Within 14 days, the declaration was written and approved by government. This certainly is living proof of what communities are capable of achieving when such strong partnership bonds are formed.
Congratulations Tamborine Mountain Landcare!