Kids have bin having a wheelie good time

Published on 30 April 2020

Rockhampton Regional Council has confirmed that kids are able to decorate their Council issued wheelie bins during lockdown, providing a fun and creative activity while we all spend more time at home.

Waste and Waste to Resource Implementation Portfolio Spokesperson Councillor Shane Latcham said Council was happy to bend the rules to make life a little easier.

“Life feels quite strange at the moment for a lot of us and we are all looking for ways to make things a bit easier, especially for our kids,” said Cr Latcham.

“When we got a facebook message from one of our residents, Tina, asking if their kids could decorate the bins, and we thought it was a lovely idea.

“We put pictures of their decorated bins on our facebook page and got such a huge and positive response, including photos of other bins and driveways across the region.

“Some have painted on recycling messages, others are a hello for our drivers, and others are just beautiful pictures. I have also seen other fun takes across the region, like Frenchville State School taking their bins out in fancy dress!

“It’s been really appreciated by our staff who are out there working hard to ensure essential services are delivered while the rest of us are staying at home as much as possible.

“All that we ask is that you use paint that can be washed off with soap and water, and that you don’t paint on the Council logo. If you feel like sending them through to us on facebook so we can share your handiwork with the rest of the region then please do!" 

Tina Fielder, who lives in Gracemere, first got in touch with Council about the idea after seeing a post on social media.

“While our activities are so limited at the moment it’s a great thing for the kids to do, and we thought it would be lovely for the drivers too.

“My daughter Laela (5) and son Xavier (4), along with their cousin Jaz (14), painted some really colourful scenes all over the bins and they absolutely loved it – it’s definitely something the whole family can do together.

“The response on facebook has been amazing, with hundreds of comments on the post. It is so nice to have something positive at the moment. Sometimes it’s just the little things that make a huge difference.

“I hope other families can find the same enjoyment and I look forward to seeing their pictures!”