Parkhurst community rallies for a cleaner, greener future
Residents and business owners rolled up their sleeves and took action to keep their beloved suburb clean.
Parkhurst came alive with community spirit on March 2 as residents gathered for the first clean-up of 2025 in 12th Street Park. Organised by residents Vicky O’Brian and Paula Tedder under the Parkhurst Residents and Business Owners Association (Praboa), the initiative encouraged volunteers to dedicate just 30 minutes of their time. But once the work began, many stayed for the full three hours, proving that small efforts can lead to a big impact.
With gloves on and rubbish bags in hand, 20 residents teamed up with five members from Bubele Africa, Parkhurst’s trusted clean-up crew, to tackle litter along the spruit and park pathways. The transformation was undeniable. In just one morning, volunteers cleared an overwhelming amount of waste, including a heavily polluted section of the spruit clogged with polystyrene. By the end of the day, 80 full bags of rubbish had been collected – a massive achievement for a group of just 25 people.
Bubele Africa, known for their hands-on approach, navigated the tougher areas with ease, donning waders and protective gear to remove waste from the water. Their experience was invaluable, allowing volunteers to focus on clearing the park’s pathways and surrounding areas. The clean-up also provided an opportunity for residents to engage with SafeParks, getting to know the team responsible for keeping Parkhurst safe.
None of this would have been possible without the generous sponsorship of Byron Thomas Properties. Their team ensured volunteers were kept refreshed throughout the morning and handed out coffee vouchers for Espresso Caffe on 4th Avenue as a well-earned reward. “We at Byron Thomas are very proud to be able to sponsor this event. It is always good to give back to the community and help out as much as we can,” said Jacqui Marsh from Byron Thomas Properties.
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This event is just the beginning. Praboa is already planning the next clean-up on April 13, which will bring together residents, Bubele Africa, and the Being a River research project to focus on the Parkhurst spruit. Pauline Borton from Praboa highlighted the long-term vision. “All our clean-ups are part of Praboa’s mandate to play a role in enhancing the quality of life for both residents and businesses in Parkhurst. These initiatives go a long way in ensuring Parkhurst remains a thriving and well-managed suburb.”
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