The initiative addresses littering around Lake Benalla, and on Saturday, August 31, enthusiastic volunteers undertook a morning of rubbish collection that ended with a sausage sizzle.
Squad member Trevor said The Benalla Spring Clean was an important initiative for the health of the area’s flora and fauna.
“We all should be caring for the land we live on, and doing small things like the Benalla Spring Clean is one way we, as young people, can contribute to the wellness of our local environment."
The Full Impact project, part of Tomorrow Today’s Education Benalla Program, was formed almost three years ago to give Benalla’s young people aged 11 to 19 a voice on issues vital to them.
Tomorrow Today youth engagement co-ordinator Alex Ross thanked locals who assisted with the clean-up, and praised the squad’s efforts.
“It was great to see a few locals coming out to give the squad a hand on Saturday,” Ms Ross said.
"The squad has matured in recent times, and I know they will take some important lessons from this year’s Benalla Spring Clean to make the next one bigger and better.“
Benalla Rural City Cr Gail O’Brien was at the event and thanked the squad members for their efforts.
“It’s fantastic to see this group of young people who are so passionate about Benalla being proactive in making our town a better place to live — not just for young people, but for everyone,” Cr O’Brien said.
The program is open to Benalla youth aged 11 to 19, and the squad meets weekly during school terms to participate in workshops, plan events and undertake leadership and team-building activities.
For further information about the Full Impact Squad, visit www.tomorrowtoday.com.au or call 5762 1211.
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