Victoria Park’s award-winning ‘Cockitrough’ earns new honour as 180 stations installed across nation
Victoria Park Town’s innovative Cockitrough has picked up another accolade after winning the environment and sustainability initiative category at the Parks and Recreation WA Awards for Excellence.
Cockitrough is a 4m high bird watering station designed to provide reliable, safe and clean water for endangered black cockatoos and other native wildlife when natural water resources are scarce.
Developed and designed by the town in 2018, the award-winning initiative aims to support urban biodiversity and help native species survive WA’s increasingly hot and dry conditions.
The award follows the initiative’s success at the 2025 National Local Government Awards, where it took on the national environmental sustainability category.
Victoria Park mayor Karen Vernon said it was great to see the project being recognized again.
“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 to more than 50 species of birds and other at-risk wildlife,” he said.
“This award recognizes the entire team behind Cockitrough and we are very proud of them. It’s great to see our people recognized again for their creativity, hard work and commitment to finding practical solutions.”
Cockitrough provides a low-maintenance freshwater source for native birds on public lands; The units are also available for purchase by local governments, conservation groups, businesses and private residents.
Ms Vernon said Cockitrough’s success showed how local authorities could have a far-reaching impact.
“Cockitrough is proof that when communities and councils come together with a shared passion to help the natural environment, we can make a real difference,” he said.
The town will now represent the state at the Parks and Recreation Australia National Awards in December.
“We are excited to lead Cockitrough to national awards and share the story of a project that started in Victoria Park and has expanded far beyond our borders,” Ms Vernon said.
