As Cabonne Council concludes its trial waste collection service for Mullion Creek and Byng, Ms Dowson would like to see the services become permanent.

“I feel the community needs some sort of waste collection on a regular basis,” she said.

“It is an inconvenience not having one, and it must be more difficult for elderly residents, plus the cost of just actually getting out there.”

Currently Mullion Creek and Byng residents contract private waste collection services or use Orange City Council’s tip.

The trial was requested by residents in Cabonne Shire’s eastern area at community consultation meetings last year and will be assessed by council to consider the viability of an appropriate permanent service.

More than seven tonnes of waste and recycling material have been collected on the first two days of the free trial service on the first Saturdays in December and January.

Cabonne councillor based in the Ophir ward Janelle Culverson said she was looking forward to seeing the trial’s results.

“It appeared to have been very well received by residents out this way,” she said.

Cabonne councillor Kevin Duffy said the eastern sector should have received waste services decades ago, and the trial should be expanded to include other eastern areas such as Emu Swamp and Borenore.