General News
10 March, 2025
Youth participate in Clean-Up Australia Day
Horsham's Youth Nature Crew has participated in Clean-Up Australia Day, the group venturing along the Wimmera River to make sure the area was clean and tidy.
Co-ordinated between Horsham Rural City Council (HRCC) youth team, Wimmera Catchment Management Authority (Wimmera CMA) and Horsham Urban Landcare, young people aged from 10 to 18 were given the opportunity to explore and learn more about the local environment, waterways, fauna, flora and gardening.
Youth services officer Alicia Drew said the session started with a video about waste and an activity on the time needed for common litter items to break down.
"We then ventured outside to spend time cleaning up the walking track and garden beds between the angling club and the water play park," Ms Drew said.
"It was great to see the passion and care for the area by participants, taking pride in tidying up an area that is very special to local people and an area of much traffic."
Ms Drew said they collected around 200 pieces of litter.
"At the same time we were happy to see that this busy area was in generally good condition," she said.
The group also watched and identified local birdlife and spoke about the importance of the river.
"We also used the iNaturalist app to identify some plants and fungus that we found along the walk," Ms Drew said.
The Youth Nature Crew meets once a month with its next catch-up planned for Thursday March 20, celebrating World Frog Day.
A guest speaker will be talking to the group about frogs before members head out to a local site to spot frogs in their natural environment.
"We always welcome new participants and all catch-ups are free of charge," Ms Drew said.
"We just ask that young people bring a water bottle and a hat as most sessions are held outside."
For more information contact Alicia Drew at HRCC on 5382 9777 or follow Horsham Youth on Facebook.
