The Great Outdoors members including, front from left, Craig, Roberto, Dean, back, Greg, Stephen and Dino meet each Thursday to participate in a range of environmental activities. 36594Picture: Luke Plummer
By Bridget Cook
THE Great Outdoors group at the Pakenham Outlook Community Centre is not afraid to get its hands dirty to help put the brakes on climate change.
The newest Gazette Green Army members have worked on a number of environmental projects since they formed about six months ago with local community groups and the Casey and Cardinia councils.
Some of the projects they have been involved in include native tree planting days with the Cardinia Environment Coalition, building a vegetable garden at the Outlook centre and picked up rubbish along Toomuc Creek.
Community support workers Craig Taylor and Damien Astbury formed the group and have been driving forces behind arranging the activities each week.
Craig said they wanted to start a group with a strong environmental focus, as well as get the guys out into the community.
“They have a lot to offer and really just want to get out and do some work,” he said.
“Everyone in the group wants to help the environment and contribute to their local community.”
Craig said the group, which meets each Thursday, has planted up to 150 a session on the tree planting days.
“The more trees we plant, the more we are revegetating and are helping the environment,” he said.
Group member Roberto Bucello said he enjoyed getting out and working with a big group of people.
“I really like the tree planting and getting out and working hard,” he said.
Craig said the group was proud to be involved in the Green Army initiative and any other environmental projects in the community.
Anyone with ideas which the group could be involved with or who would like to make a donation for the vegetable garden can contact the Outlook Community Centre on 5941 1535.
