Lake Benalla and surrounds is looking spick and span, thanks to a group of locals aged 11 to 19 who call themselves the Full Impact Squad.
The Full Impact Squad started planning the inaugural Benalla Spring Clean back in August, with the support of Tomorrow Today.
The squad meticulously planned all aspects of the event, from building and executing a marketing plan, including designing promotional posters, through to ordering equipment, stock and catering supplies.
The squad liaised with Benalla Rural City Council about their plans.
They loaned rubbish collection claws from the Goomalibee Landcare Group for use on the day, and rewarded participants for their efforts with a sausage in bread for lunch, prepared on a barbeque loaned by the Benalla Scouts.
The Benalla Spring Clean concept grew out of the Full Impact Squad’s love for Benalla and its natural environment.
When asked why she wanted to run this event, Emily, 12, said it was about “making more people enjoy living in Benalla and caring for community”.
The squad was supported on Saturday, November 12, by 45 volunteers who scoured the lake, parklands and town centre to help pick up refuse and waste that had accumulated because of recent flooding and the Benalla Festival.
They filled six large council bins with rubbish, and retrieved two shopping trolleys and a washing machine.
Tomorrow Today’s youth engagement coordinator Alex Ross said she was proud of the squad.
“They are such an inspiring and driven group of local young people who really care about Benalla and the wellbeing of our community,” Ms Ross said.
“There’s nothing they can’t achieve and I’m looking forward to what they decide to do next.
“Many thanks to the Benalla community for their wonderful support.”
For more information about Tomorrow Today, visit www.tomorrowtoday.com.au or phone 5762 1211.