FAMILY AFFAIR: Jon Shiner with his children Matilda and Solomon enjoy helping to keep their city clean. Photo: JUDE KEOGH 0303cleanup3
SHOPPING trolleys, arrow heads and a dead cat were just some of the discarded items found by volunteers participating in this year’s Clean Up Australia Day.
The co-ordinator of Orange’s activities Roger Smith said 112 volunteers put their hands up to collect rubbish throughout the city, including Pinnacle Reserve, Elephant Park, Moulder Park, Cootes Park, Rotary Park and Hill Park.
“We ended up having more people than we expected with the inclement weather,” Mr Smith said.
Mr Smith said volunteers were kept busy thanks to the thoughtless behaviour of some members of the community.
“I think people get a bit complacent, and some even throw their rubbish out car windows,” he said.
Mr Smith said it was wonderful to see a mix of volunteers of all ages including a team of McDonald’s staff and students from Kinross Wolaroi School.
“It was also fantastic to see so many children,” he said.
Next year organisers may look at expending the clean-up area to include Lake Canobolas and Gosling Creek.
Jon Shiner took his children Matilda and Solomon to Moulder Park to clean up and says it’s something he plans to keep doing every year.
“We like it, it’s good exercise,” Mr Shiner said.
“I think it’s good to look after your town, it’s very important.”
tracey.prisk@fairfaxmedia.com.au