When it comes to making a difference in our community, disabilities should never be seen as a barrier. Tracey and Melissa, two incredible participants from Headway, proved that perfectly during a recent clean-up at Coopers Creek. Joined by Tracey’s partner David, they worked alongside local volunteers to tackle the enormous task of cleaning up the mess left behind by New Year’s Eve campers in the area.
The aftermath of the holiday revelry was a stark reminder of the environmental toll left by large gatherings—garbage was scattered across the land and water. It was a tough job, and volunteers were needed in every corner of the area, both on land and in the water, to pick up the litter and restore the natural beauty of Coopers Creek.
Teaming up with the local Mt. Erica Lions Club, Tracey assisted in serving tea, coffee, and food to all those giving their time to the cause. Melissa demonstrated her determination and strength by directly participating in the clean-up. Not only did she work hard to clear the area of debris, but she also showed that a disability doesn’t limit one’s ability to get hands-on and make a meaningful impact.
Meanwhile, David, Tracey’s partner, took on the role of hauling away the collected rubbish. By the end of the day, he drove back a trailer that was three-quarters full of rubbish!
The day at Coopers Creek was a true example of the power of community. It also highlighted something incredibly important: having a disability doesn’t stop someone from being an active, contributing member of society. Whether it’s providing much-needed support behind the scenes, taking on physically demanding tasks, or simply showing up to lend a hand, people with disabilities are proving time and time again that they can play an essential role in making the world a better place.
We are incredibly grateful to Tracey, Melissa, David, and all the volunteers who came together to help clean up the area. Together, they showed us all that every person has something valuable to offer, no matter the challenges they may face.
A huge thank you to all the volunteers who made the day such a success—your efforts are truly appreciated, and you’ve helped make Coopers Creek a cleaner, more beautiful place for everyone to enjoy (let’s keep it that way!)
