Keep Benalla beautiful: become a Litter Gatherer
Published on 08 March 2018
Celebrating 17 years of litter prevention and reduction, the Benalla Litter Prevention Program is a group of local volunteers who work hard cleaning up litter hot spots around town, and the group is calling for new members to assist with rubbish collection and keeping Benalla beautiful.
“If you want to meet new people, get outdoors and help the community provide a safer, cleaner environment, join the Littler Gatherers for an hour or two each fortnight,” Mayor Cr Firth said.
“To ensure this program continues, we need help from members of the community to form small teams to meet on a monthly basis and patrol litter hotspots.
“Training and equipment is provided and the reward is helping to keep Benalla beautiful.”
The Benalla Litter Prevention Group was set up in 2001 to combat the town’s growing problem with litter. The area in and around Lake Benalla was of particular concern as well as the road ways leading into Benalla.
Over the years the Benalla Litter Prevention Group has successfully implemented and supported a number of litter reduction campaigns:
- Adopt-A-Spot
- Clean up Australia Day
- Butt-Free Benalla
- Responsible Pet Ownership
- Caring for Our Environment Group (later renamed the Litter Gatherers Group)
Volunteer Litter Gatherers, all of whom have been involved for the past seventeen years, give two hours per week or fortnight patrolling specific litter hotspots around Benalla, regularly filling up to 20 shopping bags a week with litter.
The Litter Gatherers may collect paper wrappers, tissues, cigarette butts, empty drink cans and bottles and takeaway foods containers.
For more information about being involved and volunteering with the Litter Gatherers, contact the Council on 03 5760 2600 or email council@benalla.vic.gov.au