By Alesha Capone
Residents who want to help keep Wyndham clean are facing challenges in co-ordinating activities during the COVID-19 pandemic.
However, Lisa Field – a volunteer from Love Our Street 3030 and the Werribee River Association – has launched a new initiative aimed at addressing this problem.
Ms Field, who is also standing as a candidate in the Iramoo ward at Wyndham council’s October election, said she has named the project Love Our Patch.
Ms Field said Love Our Patch was seeking to adapt to pandemic restrictions and help people be creative in how they connect and contribute to a cleaner world.
“I am seeking ways to continue to co-ordinate clean-ups in the local community by meeting online, by supporting people to work alone or in pairs, and then asking them to share their collection data to me, so I can continue to provide this to our project partners,” Ms Field said.
She said that in non-pandemic times, groups of volunteers from groups such as Love Our Street 3030 conducted monthly rubbish clean-ups and audits in Wyndham.
“In Wyndham we are lucky to have several dedicated clean-up groups but now is the time to re-work things differently,” Ms Field said.
“I’d like to continue working with the community, capturing their valuable work, and explore other bright ideas for how we can adapt under COVID.”
Ms Field said Love Our Patch would not just be about clean-ups, but would explore other positive things to keep the community connected and enjoy open spaces.
Werribee Riverkeeper John Forrester said community volunteers were a vital part of the advocacy work done to protect the bay and waterways.
“Currently there is no shortage of litter, and now gloves and masks are frequently appearing,” he said.
Contact Ms Field on 3030@loveourstreet.com.au or see facebook.com/LoveOurStreet3030 for details.
