Cockitrough Earns Second Major Award
The Town of Victoria Park's innovative Cockitrough has secured another accolade, winning the environmental and sustainability initiative category at the Parks and Leisure WA Awards of Excellence. This follows its success at the 2025 National Awards for Local Government, where it claimed the national environmental sustainability category.
The Cockitrough is a 4-metre-high bird watering station designed to provide reliable, safe, and clean water for endangered black cockatoos and other native wildlife when natural water sources are scarce. Developed and designed by the town in 2018, the initiative aims to support urban biodiversity and help native species survive Western Australia's increasingly hot and dry conditions.
180 Stations Now Operating Across Australia
Victoria Park Mayor Karen Vernon expressed pride in the recognition. “What started as a local idea is now helping wildlife across Australia. More than 180 Cockitroughs have been installed in WA and other states, providing water for more than 50 species of birds and other at-risk wildlife,” she said.
“This award is a credit to the whole team behind the Cockitrough and we are very proud of them. It’s wonderful to see our staff recognised again for their creativity, hard work and commitment to finding practical solutions.”
Low-Maintenance Solution for Native Wildlife
The Cockitrough provides a low-maintenance source of fresh water for native birds in public open spaces. The units are available for purchase by local governments, conservation groups, businesses, and private residents. Mayor Vernon noted the project's far-reaching impact: “The Cockitrough is proof that when community and councils come together with a shared passion to help the natural environment, we can make a real difference.”
The town will now represent Western Australia at the Parks and Leisure Australia National Awards in December. “We’re excited to take the Cockitrough to the national awards and share the story of a project that started in Victoria Park and has grown far beyond our boundaries,” Ms Vernon said.
