A group of hard working men from Macleay Options have been cleaning up unsightly unofficial trash tips across Kempsey and showing they belong in the workforce.
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The beautification program is part of the Kempsey Place Plan, and a joint initiative of Kempsey Shire Council, Family and Community Services, Department of Health and Macleay Options.
Coordinator of Aboriginal Programs for Macleay Options Gavan Landini said the young employees from both West and South Kempsey were impressing him with their work ethic.
"Part of what we're doing is identifying dump sites and cleaning them up, but the boys are also showing us their ability to turn up and do the work," Mr Landini said.
"They've been absolutely fantastic.
"We'll be linking with Real Futures and New Horizons to find future employment for these guys who have proven themselves work-ready."
The crew had removed more than 50 metres cubed of rubbish from a number of locations in only two-and-a-half days, with plenty more to go.
After the initial cleanup, for which council waived the tip fees, the team will be entering homes and removing unwanted furniture and white goods, as well as ridding backyards of rubbish.
The service will be free to social housing and available to private properties for a reasonable fee (contact Macleay Options to organise a quote).
"What we're finding is people are reluctant to use the tip due to a lack of cars, licenses, or money for tip fees and rubbish is building up," Mr Landini said.
Worker Garry Russell said as well as teaching teamwork and preparing the men for work, the environmental program is showing the next generation to have respect for the land.
"This isn't how we used to live," he said.
"We used to look after the land.
"A bit of hard work never killed any man or woman.”