Tidy Towns targets cemetery

Published on 15 February 2023

The Tidy Towns volunteer group are gearing up to beautify the cemetery in the coming weeks, and they are calling on more community members to get involved.

Tidy Towns will be holding a two-hour weekday clean-up at the cemetery on Thursday, February 23 from 7.30am, and will hold a second cemetery clean-up on March 4 from 8am as part of the national Clean Up Australia Day program.

Both clean-ups will target rubbish, weeds, and old plastic flowers that litter the cemetery grounds. 

Tidy Towns Chairman and Councillor, Dave Gallagher, said community action was required to return the cemetery to its former grandeur given the amount of weeds that have sprung up due to unseasonably wet weather.

"Council staff are doing all they can to maintain the cemetery, and we've also seen great support from Community Corrections in spraying weeds out there, but there's only so much they can do,” said Cr Gallagher.

"The cemetery might technically be a Council facility but the reality is it’s a community asset, we all have friends and loved ones resting there, and we should all try and do what we can to maintain it.

"If you have some spare time and want to make a difference in one of the city's most historic sites, then the Tidy Towns volunteers would love to welcome you to any of the upcoming clean-up events." 

Gloves, bags, tools and a free BBQ are provided to all volunteers, however all participants are encouraged to bring a hat, sturdy shoes and a water bottle.