PRESS RELEASE: Hornsby Shire Council Takes Top Honours at the 2025 Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities Awards

Hornsby Shire Council has been awarded the prestigious title of NSW Overall Sustainable Cities Winner for 2025, in recognition of its outstanding leadership, innovation, and commitment to building a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient urban future.

The 2025 Sustainable Cities Awards were presented today at a ceremony at Sydney Zoo hosted by the 2024 winner, Blacktown City Council and sponsored by Origin Zero, celebrating excellence in urban sustainability across greater metropolitan Sydney.

Now in its 31st year, the Sustainable Cities Awards program recognises the powerful role that councils, community groups, businesses, schools, and individuals play in creating cleaner, greener, and more liveable cities.

“Hornsby’s passion and innovation placed them firmly at the top this year,” said Peter Clark, Lead Assessor for the Sustainable Cities Awards. “Hornsby Shire Council exemplifies sustainability leadership through a diverse range of initiatives, genuine community connections, and forward-thinking strategies. Their progressive and holistic approach to urban development, environmental stewardship, and inclusion sets a powerful example for other cities to follow.”

The Council’s achievements reflect a long-term commitment to embedding sustainability into daily operations and community life. By combining creative initiatives, comprehensive engagement, and effective partnerships, Hornsby has demonstrated how integrated planning can deliver tangible environmental and social outcomes.

Val Southam, CEO of Keep Australia Beautiful NSW, praised this year’s finalists and winners, stating:
“The Sustainable Cities Awards shine a spotlight on the innovative and inspiring work being done to shape a more sustainable future for Sydney. Hornsby Shire Council is a deserving winner, showcasing how strong leadership, collaboration, and community spirit can drive lasting change. Congratulations to Hornsby and to all the entrants who are helping to make our cities more liveable and resilient.”

The KAB NSW Sustainable Cities Awards Program is made possible through the generous support of the NSW Environment Protection Authority, and Red Energy.

Media Contacts:

Name: Veronica DullensCompany: Keep Australia Beautiful NSWEmail: Phone: 0400449100

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CONTACT DETAILS Val Southam, Chief Executive Officer KABNSW at [email protected], t: 02 8594 4000. EDITOR’S NOTE: About the KABNSW Sustainable Cities Awards Keep Australia Beautiful NSW Sustainable Cities Awards Program is a community and environmental awards program for metropolitan communities in NSW. Since 1994, projects that not only enhance the environment but also improve the standard of living and well-being of urban communities have been a hallmark of the activities recognised by these awards. The Sustainable Cities Awards inspire communities to make a genuine and lasting contribution to their area, with partnerships between local authorities, businesses, community groups, schools, and individuals. About KAB NSW Keep Australia Beautiful NSW (KABNSW) is the state’s premier organisation for litter reduction and environmental sustainability. Independent and not-for-profit, our focus is to engage communities to make NSW the least littered state in Australia, transforming littering behaviour to create a beautiful and more sustainable environment. Over a 40-year history we have built a state-wide network of dedicated individuals, businesses, schools, community groups and government bodies striving to deliver a cleaner environment. Through five core programs we work with communities across regional, metropolitan, and coastal NSW to educate and motivate environmental initiatives.