A dynamic new community group is turning heads on the lakeshore by transforming roadside rubbish collection into an interactive, theatrical art form.
Known as the LitterArty, the volunteer contingent recently took to Lakes Entrance to target local hot spots, blending environmental activism with street performance to challenge how residents view plastic waste.
“We are the LitterArty, turning waste into resource,” coordinator Catherine van Wilgenburg said.
“Picking up litter was never such a laugh before the Happy Wanderers clowns joined the effort.”
The group’s recent itinerary saw volunteers and performers march along The Esplanade and across the landmark Lakes Entrance footbridge, gathering discarded items while engaging with local families and passersby.
Rather than sending the collected debris straight to landfill, the group spent the following day washing, drying, and meticulously sorting the haul to give the plastic a second life.
The rubbish was upcycled into striking, eco-conscious art installations and wearable pieces, including a large-scale sculpture dubbed the “Crusader Water Bug” and a customised “Tangaroa Blue” jacket heavily embellished with recovered marine rope and plastic wrappers.
The unique garments will serve a functional purpose on the group’s next project, worn by volunteers as they trek along the Hummocks Walk to conduct field research for the Australian Marine Debris Initiative, documenting the tidal dumping patterns of ocean rubbish along the coastline.
Looking ahead, Ms van Wilgenburg is encouraging more East Gippsland residents, families, and environment advocates to join the ranks for their upcoming winter sessions.
The next Keep Australia Beautiful community pickup is locked in for Saturday, July 12. Interested participants are advised to meet the group at the Lakes Entrance footbridge at 10am, with bags and sorting equipment provided.
