Ziggy Lamond, 9, Mackenzie Jones, 9, and Lucy Mack, 8, all of Albury, worked their way along Doctors Point Road to Mungabareena with the help of friends and family as part of yesterday’s Clean Up Australia Day. Picture: PETER MERKESTEYN
LOOKING for inspiration, then look no further than those who put their hand up to Clean up Australia.
Yesterday morning they donned gloves and carried garbage bags into the frontline of the anti-litter campaign.
The brain-child of around-the-world sailor Ian Kiernan almost a quarter of a century ago continues to inspire Australians from all walks of life.
Yesterday recruits recovered everything from plastic bottles and paper to shopping trolleys and even bed heads.
They walked along busy roads, through creeks, parks and gardens.
The immediate result is a cleaner, healthier environment.
For those who took part, particularly the younger generation, it is also a learning experience, witnessing first-hand the damage done by those who still don’t get the message.
In Wodonga it was a record turnout at Willow Park.
In some ways it is testament to an idea that continues to inspire, albeit with little or no fanfare.
Perhaps that is a testament to the original idea but the fear is for some it may just be complacency.
Next year we would hope you too join the army rather than simply applaud their dedication.