Thousands of bags of rubbish were removed from local verges and bushland last year thanks to the efforts of an incredible band of volunteers.
A total of 11 people equipped with gloves, rubbish bags and pick-up tools collected a mammoth 2432 bags of rubbish last year.
The total equates to more than half of the rubbish picked up by all of the Keep Australia Beautiful WA adopt-a-spot teams.
Byford Progress Association president Colleen Rankin said the group covered a total of 78 kilometres of roadside verges and a number of public open spaces within the Shire of Serpentine Jarrahdale.
“Overall from the whole team I estimate we pick up rubbish about 30 hours each week,” she said.
“Some of the urban streets are cleaned by the team members who walk daily, particularly if there is a strong easterly on bin night.”
Mrs Rankin said the group welcomes new volunteers who are willing to help out with the clean-up efforts.
“It is very important for the amenity of the area, particularly tourism,” she said.
“If the roadsides, parking bays and parks are dirty, then the impression is that the town may not be much of a place to stop and that the residents have no pride in the place where they live.
“It is great exercise and gives you a sense of satisfaction when you see a cleared verge.”
The group is paid $3 for each bag of rubbish collected.
This money allows the group to apply for grants for the street sculptures in Byford and other projects.
The group has also donated these funds to other community groups and fundraising appeals including $1000 towards the new football shelters at Briggs Park and $1000 to the local fire brigades bushfire appeal.
For more information about the group call 9525 1146.
