News

Earth for everyone.
Thu, Jun 19 2008

A group in Warragul is proving that a clean environment is a concern for everyone in the community – no matter what age or ability.

When 18-year-old Maggie Riddington established her own home-grown environmental movement, Earth to Earthlings, she had no idea it would grow so many partnerships.

Earth to Earthlings is a group of Warragul Regional College students who pick up rubbish every fortnight in public parks around the district. The group also has its own MySpace website addressing issues like climate change.

Maggie’s mother, Keryn, is a Team Leader with Victorian Person Centred Services, a partner organisation of the EW Tipping Foundation supporting people with disabilities, children, the aged and carers.

“We support a lady called Deb, who hates litter,” said Keryn. “I organized for Deb’s support worker to take her to a rubbish collection.

“Deb loved it, her support worker enjoyed it as well, and the kids all enjoyed meeting Deb. It was a real community effort.”

Keryn is looking at expanding the number of people with disabilities involved in the group. “Many of the people we support are interested in doing good things for the environment, and they also love getting out and meeting people,” she said.

For more information about Earth to Earthlings, contact Maggie on 0437 846 259.