Dubbo City Council as the Trustees of the Victoria Park Trust upgraded their creation of a regional recreational precinct to include an Australian standard skate park and bowl, all access playgrounds and an outdoor fitness centre. The recent establishment of ‘Livies Place’, a children’s playground has allowed a place for the special needs children of the region to come and play and interact with other children; playing side by side with those who are abled allows the playground to become a beacon of acceptance in the local community. Through the recent redevelopment work in Victoria Park, Dubbo City Council is the first regional city in Australia to have implemented the policies and principals of the Federal Governments - Child Friendly Cities Initiative.

The Rolland Plains Recreation Reserve Trust a multi-purpose facility is located on the Mid North Coast of NSW. Recent projects to improve local amenities include a renovated canteen and bar areas, new fencing on their camp-draft yards, new toilet and shower facilities, upgrades to water supply and the upgrade of local sports ground. The Trust anticipates the recent upgrades will assist with attracting bigger events which will in turn boost economic benefits for the business and local community. The Trustees aim to be a fully self-funded regional facility within 5 years, providing a social, sporting and economic benefit to their local community for years to come.  

The Nelson Bay and District Business Chamber Limited has over 120 members, and have created community events such as Tastes at the Bay, Sculptures by the Bay, Festival of the Sea and the Blue Water Country Music Festival, helping to stimulate the local economy in low ‘tourist seasons’ throughout the year. By promoting the town, as a viable tourism destination all year round and by creating a business environment that works in unison with each other, the Chamber develops new ideas such as ‘Business after hours’ networking sessions and marketing plans for the town Centre. The Chamber continues to pioneer and highlights the opportunities to build business and build a brand which positions Nelson Bay as the heart of Port Stephens.

The Moorambilla Festival was created to give the community cultural expression and drive musical excellence that help develop cultural diversity and social capital in the region. Since its inception in 2005, the Morrambilla Festival has attracted over 150 families to Coonamble for children to perform and experience the Festival. The Moorambilla Festival plays a key role in encouraging, mentoring and boosting local business along with growing tourism in the region. The Festival generates more than $40,000 annually for the local community. The Committee hope’s to continue to encourage people to visit the region, and looks forward to the Festival growing to include and attract a larger number of choirs in the future.

Renewable Recyclers main focus is on reducing, reusing and recycling electronic waste or E-waste, the organisation looks to create green jobs and training opportunities for those who have been affected by unemployment in their local community. Renewable Recyclers is working towards a sustainable Illawarra by creating jobs in above ground mining and offers a culturally diverse and flexible working environment. Renewable Recyclers have invested time and money into large staff management programs, occupation health and safety courses and on the job training to increase staff safety and up skilling of staff. Renewable Recyclers continue to grow and hope to influence the lives of others by offering more job placements to those most affected by unemployment.

Bega Cheese Limited is committed to helping local dairy farmers be sustainable and reduce their environmental footprint through the implementation of an environmental management system in conjunction with Southern Rivers Catchment Management Authority. With over 90% of Bega and Eurobodalla dairy farmers involved with the program, significant increases in knowledge and skills, correct management practices and environmental improvements have occurred in the local area. Through these positive practices and implementation of vegetation to the waterways, Bega Cheese Limited and its famers have managed to reduce the risk of sediment and enhance the quality of local waterways, providing a positive impact to local biodiversity and the local community. 

Tyrex Solutions is an Australian manufacturer of durable quality products produced from used car tyres, and are suitable across a diverse industry sector including mining, business, retail, hospitality, aged and disability care. The small team at Tyrex has harnessed partnerships with local industry leaders to provide sustainable and reliable products ensuring environmental waste and landfill is minimised. Tyrex believe in supporting the economic viability of their region; by supplying and supporting local customers and suppliers their region is reaping the economic benefits. The dedicated employees continue to develop new and innovative recycled products and work to achieve environmental sustainability and drive regional development for today, and future generations.

Sue has given over thirty years of service to the community of Manildra and was recently awarded the 2011 Australian Citizen for Manildra Award. Sue has been involved in many improvements made to the Manildra community in her capacity as the president of the Manildra and District Improvement Association. One of her greatest achievements was the establishment of a voluntary Honorary Ambulance group, where she served as an Ambulance Officer and coordinator for six years. Sue is currently involved with the progress association in developing a skate park, with seating, playground equipment and toilet amenities. Sue’s passion and her enthusiasm for all things community will continue to see her hold an active role in Manildra.

The Ariah Park Community Projects Committee is focused on promoting Ariah Park as a viable district to attract tourism and stimulate economic growth. In 2010, the community established its own website to increase tourism for Ariah Park and is now improving signage around their region to encourage tourism along with producing tourism brochures to promote the local community. As a community they have saved the Ariah Park Café, maintained Broken Dam Heritage Area and the local Museum and started upgrades to the Main Street of Ariah Park. As a very active committee they have also built senior housing to keep local community members in the town as long as possible. The Committee provide a link between residents and the local council.

The Australian Inland Botanic Gardens a riverine site of 150 hectares, is a not for profit organisation run by volunteers. The site provides a sustainable and growing resource for the local community and an educational platform for Nine district schools. The schools and local TAFE students are engaged in volunteer programs to assist with maintenance of the gardens and in turn provide an invaluable local resource for horticultural studies. The Gardens also provide an opportunity for local people with disabilities to volunteer and meet Centrelink requirements. The Gardens have become a venue for local events and an avenue for tourism in the local area. The volunteers hope the gardens remain an integral part of the community for years to come.