Planning for a clean up of the Strzelecki Track commenced in early 2007 with members, families and friends of the Leigh Creek SES Unit positively supportive of the venture. Funding and sponsorship was sort, which resulted in fuel being sponsored by the Department of Transport Energy and Infrastructure (North and West Region) at Port Augusta supporting the proposed clean up of tyres and rubbish on the Strzelecki Track. SA Arid Lands & NRM Board also supported the venture with a grant towards the catering costs for the trek. Depot Springs Station assisted in kind support with the loan of a stock crate for the flat top truck of one of the members. Santos, Department of Environment and Heritage –Innamincka Regional Reserve Rangers all leant kind support in relation to the depositing of rubbish, accommodation and access to equipment for repairs. All was set. In October 2007 fifteen volunteers set off with one 4WD truck and five 4WD vehicles and trailers north on the Strzelecki Track, camping at Montecollina Bore and Innamincka. Members returned via the old Strzelecki Track, Mount Hopeless Road, Arkaroola and Nepabunna to Leigh Creek. They delivered 2 truck loads and 10 trailer loads of dumped whole and shredded tyres, car and truck parts and general rubbish over a four day period.
This page last modified on Friday, November 17, 2017
© Peter Hancock - SYP Security Services
2009
Saw 23 people, 4WD truck and camp kitchen, together with 9 4WD vehicles and trailers set out covering the Strzelecki Track, Merty Merty Road, Bore track Road, Della Rd, Dillon’s Highway, Innamincka to Birdsville Road and the Birdsville Track back to Leigh Creek over a seven day period. Lay days for repairs and rest occurred at Innamincka and Birdsville. This year an amazing estimated 70 tonnes of rubbish, primarily tyres, tyre debris, steel, automotive parts, transportable building parts, bottles and cans made up the loads, inclusive of three and a half wool bales of bottles and cans.
This years sponsors were:- DTEI-North & West Region for fuel, SA ARID LANDS & NRM BOARD towards catering costs, Depot Springs Station in relation to the loan of the stock crate, Flinders Power for the supply of PPE safety equipment for all members and vehicles as well as cutting equipment and an additional mobile fuel tank. Department of Environment and Heritage-Innamincka Regional Reserve in relation to use of quarters and workshop to make repairs, Diamantina Council and Santos in relation to recycling depots and Queensland Police re Accommodation at Birdsville. Mungerannie Hotel on the Birdsville Track also assisted with free camping for an overnight stay. As a result of this trek, the group have now formed the GREAT TRACKS CLEAN UP CREW which will be a not for profit organization in an effort to cover all involved for possible injury with a formal identity linked to the Clean Up Australia campaign. This will see fund raising to assist with repairs to volunteers vehicles and equipment. Planning is now in place in relation to 2010 in which it will be decided if the Great Tracks Cleanup Crew move to other tracks throughout the track that badly require attention.
2011 - Oodnadatta Track (Saturday July 9th - Saturday July 16th)
Members of the Great Tracks Cleanup Crew (formerly Leigh Creek SES Unit), which is a not for profit group giving their time and vehicles to clean up outback tracks and roads have recently returned from the main 2011 trek. This year 21 members, families and friends departed Leigh Creek on Sunday 10th July for the Annual cleanup, this year saw the first clean up of the Legendary Oodnadatta Track.
Saturday saw members working on vehicles, loading the camp kitchen and fuelling up vehicles for the trip. Members arrived from Across Australia, with 2 from Queensland, 2 from Victoria and the rest from Regional areas of South Australia. It was fantastic to again receive sponsorship in fuel from DTEI North & West Region this year, the SAAL&NRM board again sponsored food for the trip, Alinta Energy at Leigh Creek again supported us with safety equipment, cutting gear and Depot Springs donated the stock crate for the Truck again.
Members cleaned up the Marree Track from Leigh Creek then the Oodnadatta Track from Marree through to Marla, with also subsidiary tracks from William Creek to Coober Pedy to Oodnadatta, Dalhousie Springs and return. The final part of the cleanup was the Stuart Highway from Marla to Woomera, Woomera to Roxby Downs as well as the Borefield Track. The total kilometres travelled by all vehicles on the cleanup was 23,376 kms.
This was the first trip that we had experienced wet conditions, with heavy rain falling whilst at Dalhousie Springs, the group made its way towards Marla, but with road conditions worsening, set up camp near Hamilton Station to wait for the track to dry out. With the help of Hamilton Station, welding repairs were carried out to broken suspension on trailers. Thanks very much Hamilton Station and to DENR for allowing us to set up camp at Dalhousie Springs in the Maintenance area owing to the Camping grounds being full with tourists.
On arrival at Marla, it was found that the main ring feeder tow hitch on the Camp Kitchen had broken away, many, many thanks to Errol’s Repairs at Marla who did a fantastic job re-welding the hitch of the camp kitchen and then Errol donated the cost in appreciation of the work we were doing cleaning up outback tracks. THANKS VERY MUCH ERROL...
Every one arrived late at Woomera on Friday night 15th of July after a long and eventful trip. A big meal was prepared, followed by local presentations and on the Saturday we departed in all directions with some members cleaning up the Pimba to Olympic Dam Road.
Winner of this years BUGGA award was presented to Blake HEREEN a school teacher from Melbourne, who changed vehicles many times during the trip and was responsible or present for various breakages to any vehicle he happened to go with e.g. lots of suspension parts etc..... Quite a few others were very relieved at this selection with 4 others very close to receiving the award.
We thank all our sponsors, volunteers and supporters and so does the environment of Outback South Australia as the roads and tracks do look a lot better without the rubbish and junk.
Remember when travelling in the outback SLOW DOWN when passing volunteers or work crews this will save live. Also as previously stated LEAVE ONLY YOUR FOOTPRINT, TAKE ALL YOUR RUBBISH WITH YOU. ENJOY THE OUTBACK AND TRAVEL SAFE.
Another HIGHLIGHT:- One of our younger members, Joshua COOKE from Queensland received a YOUNGSTAR award on his return to Queensland for his efforts on the Great Tracks Cleanup Crew Treks.
Please support and promote all our sponsor’s as without their kind generosity the cleanups are not possible.
If you feel like assisting in any way, you can make a tax deductible donation via the details listed on our Web page. Or to follow the last five years of our volunteer work view:- www.greattracks.com.au
2012 - Strzelecki & Birdsville cleanup (Saturday June 30th - Sunday July 8th)
Members of the Great Tracks Cleanup Crew, which is a not for profit group giving their time and vehicles to clean up outback tracks and roads have recently returned from the main 2012 trek. This year 27 members, families and friends departed Leigh Creek on Sunday 1st July for the Annual cleanup with 10 four wheel drives and trailers.
Saturday 30th June saw members arriving in Leigh Creek and working on vehicles, loading the camp kitchen and fuelling up vehicles for the trip. This trip would not have been possible if it was not for the generous support of DPTI North & West Region, Alinta Energy-Leigh Creek, SAAL&NRM, DENR and numerous small supporter companies from Yankalilla-FPAG, Adelaide-The Elephant British Pub & PJ O’BRIENS The Irish Pub, Yorke Peninsula-SYP Security Services & Bonney’s Embroidery and Outback South Australia-ODT Australis and SANTOS.
(View their links on our WEB PAGE)
Day one Sunday 1st July, started with drizzling rain at Leigh Creek. Members departed splitting into two groups. One group travelled from Copley via Iga Warta, Nepabunna, Balcanoona and Mount Hopeless to rendezvous with the other team at Montecollina Bore. The main team travelled from Leigh Creek to Lyndhurst and then along the iconic Strzelecki Track to Montecollina Bore. An evening BBQ was prepared with a camp fire before retiring after a long day and campfire.
Monday morning saw a flat tyre on the truck, some remained to change this over and the rest of the group moved out along the Strzelecki Track cleaning up to the Santos Moomba recycling depot. On arrival with the truck and many trailers full of various sorts of rubbish, such as-- general camping and household rubbish, tyre debris, tyres, rims, diffs, truck, trailer & vehicle parts, galvanised iron sheeting, rusted out water tanks, fuel tanks, bottles and cans. The camp kitchen was disconnected and preparations for lunch made whilst the rest tended to the tedious job of unloading in the various recycling areas. Changes this year saw the dumping of general refuse into bins instead of the pit, which added to the workload, but everyone tucked in without complaint to get it done.
A quick phone call to Santos saw permission to enter Moomba and attend at Northpoint for a truck tyre repair (VERY EXPENSIVE-for a volunteer group) Remainder of the group continued to clean up Della Road and Dillon’s Highway to Innamincka were camp was set up with the assistance of DENR at Innamincka. A beautiful meal was prepared, which followed by some members performing-complete with costumes ABBA songs.
The next leg began on Tuesday morning after refuelling at Innamincka, we then crossed the Causeway cleaning up on the Cordillo Downs Road and then the Arrabury Road until setting up a bush camp for the night. This night saw a meal for Stew and damper, with some members entertaining with an impromptu Priscilla Queen of the Desert Skit, which was hysterical.
Wednesday saw us continue on to Birdsville, with Peter and Helen Stockings trailer suffering major suspension/axle damage, which was not realised until the bitumen section of the Developmental Road. Roadside repairs were made by our travelling mechanics and all continued on to the hospitality of Birdsville. The bakery and pub were key pit stops.
Camp was set up at the Old Courthouse and yard thanks to Senior Constable Neale McShane from Birdsville Police. On arrival in Birdsville the group where met by Kerry Straight and her ABC LANDLINE film crew, who attended the Birdsville Recycling depot for unloading and then travelled with the group on the Thursday cleaning up the iconic Birdsville Track through to Mungerannie Hotel.
Once at Mungerannie our bush camp was set up along with our traditional film and games night. Many thanks to Phil and Pam from Mungerannie Hotel.
Friday 6th July saw the start of the final day, travelling from Mungerannie to Leigh Creek, which owing to the needs of the ABC LANDLINE crew to finalise interviews, and some breakdowns saw the last of the crews arriving at Leigh Creek after dark!!!
Along the way, visitors Peter and Helen Stockings travelling with the group suffered severe axle and suspension damage to their off road camper trailer, this was repaired by some of our mechanical members, but failed after 600 kilometres. The camper was then loaded onto one of the car trailers on the cleanup for the final trek to Leigh Creek. (Once parts arrived, our mechanical members rebuilt Soxy’s camper trailer and they headed off on their Northern Territory Holiday)
A total of 1,721 kms was covered by each vehicle-equating to 17,210 kms in total. A total of 3,254 volunteer hours were done by members, with working bees to prepare the truck and camp kitchen, as well as the hours getting to Leigh Creek and home again. This year we collected approximately 38 tonnes of rubbish, inclusive of five wool bales of refundable bottles and cans.
On Saturday night, 7th July our end of trek dinner meeting was held at the Leigh Creek Tavern and various prizes from sponsors were given out.
Winner of this year’s BUGGA award, was presented to Colin Wilkey and Dick Rachwal from Yorketown, which is an annual trek award for the crew earning the highest penalty points for breakdowns, misbehaviour or anything the committee think of.
MY KITCHEN RULES award went to Allen and Ian Franklin for their Camp Oven Roast dinner prepared at Mungerannie.
We thank all our sponsors, volunteers and supporters and so does the environment of Outback South Australia, as the roads and tracks do look a lot better without the rubbish and junk strewn along them and the camping areas.
Remember when travelling in the outback SLOW DOWN when passing volunteers or work crews this will save lives and leave only your footprint, take all your rubbish with you. Enjoy the outback and travel safe.
Regards,
Stuart PAXTON.
(Secretary/Treasurer/Trek Coordinator)
Between Friday 5th & 6th of July, members of the Great Tracks Cleanup Crew and visitors from Victoria, Leigh Creek S.A., and Brisbane arrived at Leigh Creek, for final preparations before departing on this year's trek.
Saturday saw members working on vehicles, loading the camp kitchen, as well as the installation of the PUNCTURESAFE tyre treatment to all tyres on trailers and motor vehicles-as part of this year's new sponsorship in an attempt to reduce the number of punctures we suffer each year. Members continued all day to ensure all was ready for the 2013 Cleanup Trek. A BBQ tea and briefing in relation to the pending Cleanup Trek was held at Greg and Janet Franklin?s house at Leigh Creek.
This trip would not have been possible if it was not for the generous ongoing support of our Sponsor's and supporters, namely:- Department of Planning, Transport & Infrastructure at Port Augusta, Alinta Energy-Leigh Creek, South Australian Arid Lands & Natural Resource Management at Port Augusta, Department of Environment, Water & Natural Resources, Mungerannie Hotel, The Elephant British Pub & PJ O'BRIENS The Irish Pub, ODT Australis-Olympic Dam, SANTOS, SYP Security Services & Bonney's Embroidery.
This year saw two new sponsors come on board with the Outback Communities Authority based at Port Augusta and puncturesafe-Australia, we hope to see a long and successful association with these new sponsors.
(View their links on our WEB PAGE)
Day one:- Sunday 7th July, started with the traditional photos, daily safety briefing in relation to road and weather conditions, as well as safety requirements and expectations. This year owing to the exposure that ABC Landline gave us from last year's story on our group and achievements, we had ten new visitors attending for the first time. These were- Paul Coates & Keith Hoffman from Victoria, Ilona Bissell from Queensland, Phil & Jo Hughes from Victoria, Kathleen & George Thompson from Victoria, Craig, Greg and William Franklin from Leigh Creek.
Peter Kelly, Manager of Alinta Energy-Leigh Creek Coal Field attended and spoke to all involved, thanking the volunteers for all they do for the local community, before sending the group on their way. This year 28 members and visitors departed Leigh Creek for the Annual cleanup with 10 four-wheel drives and trailers.
The group travelled from Leigh Creek to Marree and on to Mungerannie Hotel via the Birdsville Track, with a large variety of rubbish types being collected, from bottles and cans, to camping rubbish, trailer, 4WD and truck tyres on the way as well as damaged metal and plastic white marker posts from the road. We were hosted by the Mungerannie Hotel, with Phil setting aside a large area of the Mungerannie Hotel campgrounds for our use free of charge, as part of his ongoing support of our group. Peter Hancock and Peter Stockings from Yorketown on Yorke Peninsula cooked a BBQ for tea and members sat around the campfire, before many members took the advantage of washing down the days dust and socialising in the front bar with Phil, his staff and tourists to the area.
Day two:- Monday 8th July saw the crew head out again on the Birdsville Track cleaning up until they arrived at the junction of the Birdsville Inside Track, which was open for the first time in many years. The group then split into two and one group travelled to Birdsville via the Inside Track and the rest travelled in on the Outside track. Only some vehicles off loaded at the local refuse centre run by the Diamantina Council as the amount of rubbish collected was well down on previous years at this point. A large amount of refundable bottles and cans where collected from the roadsides. The Truck suffered a steer tyre de-laminating and the camp kitchen suffered a major blow out owing to debris/large hole in the road-neither of these could be saved by the puncturesafe treatment as they were caused by outside factors.
Owing to the John Williamson Concert out at BIG RED, our normal camp spot was not available at the local Courthouse in Birdsville. Therefore, we set up camp at the Race Track for the night, and had a great night looking at the stars and reminiscing on the trek so far. We were able to purchase a replacement new steer tyre. As well as obtaining a second-hand casing, that was then fitted by members to the rim for the camp kitchen. Carmel Paxton and Heather Ford cooked our tea which was spaghetti bolognaise, which went down very well whilst staying warm around the campfire.
Day three:- Tuesday morning saw us depart Birdsville along the Developmental Road and then on the Cordillo Downs Road towards Innamincka. A large amount of tyres, tyre debris, galvanised iron sheeting, steel bars, rims, discarded broken camping and household items, bottles and cans where collected. Late in the day, it began to rain so we set up camp at the junction with the Innamincka to Arrabury Road. Welding repairs where then done to a trailer and Allen and Ian Franklin cooked up an awesome Camp Oven Roast meal in trying weather conditions, makeshift shelters were erected owing to the rain, which fell all night after everyone retired early for the night.
Day four:- Wednesday, saw us continue on to Innamincka on a clearing day with no rain, lots of truck tyre casings were picked up along with steel, bottles, cans and bent over white metal marker posts, members arrived at Innamincka we where hosted by Derek, Jason and Catherine from the Dept of Environment, Water and Natural Resources at the Ranger works compound. Carl and Fran Korner, along with Ron and Cathy Whyte cooked apricot chicken and rice whilst others made repairs to vehicles and trailers from the corrugated road. Teams offloaded trailers into the truck filling it. Jo from Victoria treated the ladies' to facials to recover from a hectic day, which was meant to be a half day off, but ended up a great deal of repairs done. Derek, Jason and Catherine were then our guests at tea and a great night of fellowship followed.
Day five:- Thursday morning saw an early and big breakfast of bacon, eggs and baked beans on toast to which Jason and Catherine enjoyed. Our daily safety briefing, took place in front of the maintenance building with all vehicles lined up for a photo opportunity requested by Derek, Jason and Catherine. At the conclusion, we headed towards Moomba via Dillon's Highway and Della Road, filling all trailers to the max with tyres of all sizes, bottles, cans and general rubbish that had fallen from vehicles utilising the road. Once at Moomba SANTOS hosted two thirds of the group to a tour of the Moomba facility and lunch in the camp dining room and supplied "DINGO" packs (take away lunches) to the 10 members who did not make it in time owing to major breakdowns and the large amount of rubbish being collected. Trailers and the truck were then unloaded and major repairs carried out to Phil and Jo's tandem trailer, which was stripped of its springs and axles, then converted to a single axle owing to major suspension failure. By mid-afternoon, the group moved on along the Strzelecki Track towards Montecollina Bore collecting a large amount of tyres, steel, bottles and cans as well as a complete heavy vehicle spider axle's. Camp, was then set up at Montecollina Bore with Greg and Craig Franklin cooking a variety of curries, which was great-amazingly.
Day six:- Friday morning saw the start of the final day, unloading all trailers into the truck and then travelling from Montecollina Bore to Leigh Creek via the Strzelecki Track and Lyndhurst. A large amount of rubbish and tyres were collected with the truck filling up rapidly and after lunch it then moved on to Leigh Creek, Blake and Pop's ute ended up with clutch failure and also left the group to travel the final leg direct to Leigh Creek. The rest of the crew arrived at Leigh Creek in the late afternoon with no room left in trailers. We then parked up, set up in our various accommodations and then had a big cook up tea of left over's which was very tasty. Everyone retired for the night to BEDS--------aaaaaaahhhhhh.
Day seven:- Saturday saw the men attend the Leigh Creek Recycling Depot and empty the truck and trailers, while the ladies all got to work unloading the Camp Kitchen, sorting out leftover food, cleaning and repacking containers. The men returned to a great lunch and commenced removing safety signs and equipment from vehicles, repairs and sorting of the refundable bottles and cans collect along the way. Officially, seven wool bales of refundable bottles and cans where collected and an eighth full bag was located in the back of the Truck. Our largest amount of refundable bottles and cans collected in the previous 6 years of cleanups was three wool bales-a huge effort by all involved.
A total of 1,582 kms was covered by each vehicle equating to 15,820 kms in total. A total of 2,372 volunteer hours were done by members, with working bees to prepare the truck and camp kitchen, as well as the hours getting to Leigh Creek and home again. This year we collected approximately 69.3 tonnes of rubbish, inclusive of the eight wool bales of refundable bottles and cans, this is up on last year and attributed to the amount of TRUCK TYRES, and steel picked up.
On Saturday night, 13th July our end of trek dinner meeting, was held at the Leigh Creek Tavern and various prizes from sponsors were given out, as a large storm passed over Leigh Creek creating an awesome lightning and thunderous show, not to mention the heavy rains.
Winner of this year's BUGGA award was presented to Kathleen and George Thompson from Victoria, with the runners up being Phil and Jo Hughes also of Victoria. The BUGGA award is counted throughout the trek with teams receiving Bugga points for breakdowns, not picking up cleanly in their allocated zone, losing some thing from their trailers or a member behind, or anything that the BUGGA BOSS - Heather thinks of.
Prizes, were given to all our cooks as well as prizes to the kids that joined us this year. A special LIFE MEMBERSHIP, was awarded to Allen Franklin (Pop) which is another first for our Crew. Thanks, POP you are truly a great inspiration to us all in Great Tracks Cleanup Crew.
Our annual meeting was held and as a result we now welcome new members to our group, congratulations to Paul Coates, Keith Hoffman, Josephine & Phil Hughes, Gregory Franklin (Jnr), Craig Franklin, Ron & Cathy Whyte, visitors on this year's trip. Discussions were had, a great night of fellowship and then a well deserved sleep in for some.
We thank all our sponsors, volunteers and supporters and so does the environment of Outback South Australia, as the roads and tracks do look a lot better without the rubbish and junk strewn along them and the camping, truck rest areas of the Marree, Birdsville and Strzelecki Tracks.
Finally, a report on the puncturesafe treatment, well the company's brochure promotes it as the world's premier tyre sealant that stops punctures in their tracks. Well we strongly believe it works very well, apart from the tyre issues on the truck, we had no punctures on any of the 4 wheel drives and trailers-totalling 64 tyres that travelled a total of 15,820 kilometres on the cleanup, which is a first for us as we normally, have 3-4 punctures per year. We came across tourists and transport drivers who had suffered numerous punctures on the same roads and were very interested in the puncturesafe brochures.
Remember when travelling in the outback SLOW DOWN when passing volunteers or work crews this will save lives and leave only your footprint, take all your rubbish with you. Enjoy the outback and travel safe.
2014
- Juniors Northern Flinders cleanup (Saturday March 1st - Sunday March 2nd)
On Saturday 1st and Sunday 2nd March, 2014 Allen "Pop" Franklin, his grandson's Craig and Gregory Franklin and four Great Grand Children, Zara, Dash, Trinity and William set off with two vehicles and trailers to clean up between the Leigh Creek Coalfield, Copley, Leigh Creek and Beltana areas prior to the main groups Adelaide Cup long weekend cleanup.
The "JUNIORS", put in 56 volunteer hours over the two days and collected approximately 4 tonnes of rubbish, mostly tyres and tyre debris from the roads and historic Beltana Township area.
This was a prelude to the Northern Flinders Ranges cleanup to involve younger family members to gain the experience and rewards of volunteering.
From all accounts, a great time was had by all. The kids loved it so much that they ended up coming on the Northern Flinders Ranges Cleanup the following weekend.
Thanks Craig for organising it and to PoP for keeping a SENIOR eye on the proceedings. This cleanup was funded by members.
*** *** ~~~ *** ***
2014
- Northern Flinders cleanup (Saturday March 8th - Monday March 10th)
Adelaide Cup Weekend
20 Members of the Great Tracks Cleanup Crew from Watchem Victoria, Mount Gambier, Macclesfield, Yorketown, Clare, Port Augusta and Leigh Creek attended the Northern Flinders Adelaide Cup Weekend Cleanup Trek for 2014. Friday saw members congregate at Leigh Creek and Port Augusta, the northern and southern staging points for the cleanup.
Saturday 8th of March, 2014, saw 10 volunteers, 4 four wheel drives and trailers, as well as the truck and camp kitchen depart Leigh Creek to travel south to rendezvous with the southern group consisting of 10 members and 5 four wheel drives and trailers depart Stirling North to travel northerly and meet up at Parachilna.
By day's end the truck, was full to the brim of tyres and tyre debris. The northern group had collected large numbers of tyres and tyre debris, whilst the southern group found it hard going, picking up in excess of 45 wheat bags of take away food wrappings, coffee and beverage cups,(mostly McDonalds), bottles, cans and a few tyres as well as a full porcelain toilet pan between Stirling North and Quorn. Once clear of Quorn the southern group picked up an increasing amount of tyres, tyre debris, wheel trims, steel, roofing iron, a bar fridge, washing machine and caravan water tank!!!!
Once at Parachilna trailers were unloaded into the truck filling it to the brim, smaller trailers off loaded excess into the larger trailers. Members then settled in to a great meal cooked up on the Camp Kitchen BBQ's with Old Soxy from Yorketown entertaining the group by setting his Hi Vis shirt on fire whilst cooking!!!!!! BUGGA.......Drinks at the Prairie hotel settled his nerves down.
Sunday 9th of March 2014, saw the group again split up to cover all roads and tracks to Blinman, Wilpena Pound, Hawker and return to Parachilna on the Main Highway. The truck and camp kitchen remained at the Parachilna campsite thanks to the Prairie Hotel. More tyres, bottles, cans, roofing iron, roof guttering and take away food wrappers were collected. On return to camp rubbish was transfered to the trailers that would be returning to Leigh Creek. However, with the volume of rubbish collected four trailers returning south had to be loaded up and tied down for delivery to local recycling centres.
Members then had another great meal prepared and cooked in the camp kitchen, followed by a great night with tourists and staff at the Prairie Hotel.
Monday 10th March 2014 saw a big breakfast cook up and eventual departure from Parachilna to return home. Many great photographs, rubbish and memories were collected over the weekend.
In all a total of 582 volunteer hours were put in over the three days by 20 volunteers, a staggering 45+ wheat bags of takeaway food/drink containers were collected-mostly McDonalds and Hungry Jacks, nearest outlets are at Port Augusta.
Approximately 15 tonnes of rubbish was collected, inclusive of 153 tyres (mostly Truck size), four Wool bales of bottles and cans, a total of 5,070 kms were travelled over the cleanup days by the 10 vehicles.
A total of 5,125 kms was travelled by members getting to Port Augusta and home again with approximately 260 volunteer travel hours.
All costs associated with this cleanup were covered by the members either personally and through fund raising for the catering costs to feed the Volunteers.
2015
- July Cleanup Trek (Saturday 4th July - Friday 10th July)
26 Adults and 7 children met in Leigh Creek between Thursday 2nd July and Friday 3rd July 2015 for the final preparations for the Oodnadatta Track Cleanup. The group met for tea at the Leigh Creek Sports and Community Club on Friday night 3rd July for the Safety Trek Briefing. The group travelled with one 4-wheel drive truck with the camp kitchen in tow and 10 four-wheel drive vehicles with trailers of varying sizes.
Saturday 4th July 2015, saw the group meet at Leigh Creek Motors for the traditional group and newbies photo's. Followed by a recap of the safety briefing, road and weather conditions.
Crews motored through to the Historic Bakery at the Farina ruins and restoration site for breakfast and inspect the restoration of the various ruins. Very excellent remote outback project and the pasties and apple turnovers were fantastic. We then continued on to Marree owing to the Camel Cup races in Marree, we decided to pick up from Marree to Leigh Creek on our return leg. We then commenced picking up rubbish and tyres from the start of the Oodnadatta Track at Marree.
We stopped for lunch on the track and were treated to delicious hot dogs by the Camp Kitchen Crew dressed in their PINK hi-vis vests—Yes including the Chairman Greg Franklin.
Sunday saw a cooked big breakfast of bacon, eggs, snags, baked beans and toast. YUMMY —truly is GOD's breakfast. We then transferred rubbish and tyres from trailers to the truck. We then proceeded northwards again, with updates from the Police in relation to a murder at Oodnadatta and the felon was still outstanding with a major search ramping up with resources. We stopped for lunch at the Algebuckina Bridge and were treated to scrumptious hamburgers.
We received a briefing from the Police in relation to the Police Operation to locate the at large murderer, believed to be on the Dalhousie Track somewhere. It was unanimously decided not to go to Dalhousie as planned owing to the Police Operation and risk to the Trek.
We departed Oodnadatta and set up camp adjacent to the Oodnadatta Track 20 kilometres out of Oodnadatta. A great evening meal was followed by Movie night with the kids movie including popcorn and lolly bags!!!!!!!!!!
Monday we broke camp and proceeded towards Marla. Once at Marla crews spent a few hours cleaning up the rubbish in the large parking areas and entrances to Marla township. After offloading at the recycling centre, camp was set and "fancy/crazy" dress was the theme around the evening meal which was shared with locals at Marla.
Tuesday saw members travelling south on the Stuart Highway, with the rubbish collection close to Marla taking several hours to clear up. It is amazing the amount of rubbish discarded from vehicles within 10 kilometres of towns on the highways. We continued to Coober Pedy arriving late owing to again the sheer volumes of discarded take away food and beverage rubbish on the approach to Coober Pedy. We refuelled and then set up camp at the Monument Free camp area 8 kms south of Coober Pedy, we arrived on Dusk and whilst setting up we were entertained by a SOLO PIPER (bagpipes) camping the night there.
Wednesday we continued south on the Stuart Highway. We set up for the night in the Lake Hart free camp area, some members headed off on the tracks and pathways picking up rubbish that had been left behind by other campers using this great area. Here we settled in for another film night put on by the CAMP KITCHEN CREW being the latest MAD MAX movie.
Thursday after breakfast, continuing our travels south on the Stuart Highway. We stopped off at Pimba before moving along the Olympic Dam Road towards Roxby Downs. We collected lounge suites, televisions, washing machines and lots of tyres on the sides of the road. On arrival at Roxby Downs, we set up camp on the Andamooka Road east of Roxby Downs after unloading at the Roxby Downs Refuse Centre. Thanks to Roxby Downs Council and Peter Keller for arranging this. We delivered a total of 21.75 tonnes of rubbish including 173 tyres for recycling. A great meal was had, with added roughage for everyone but went down a treat especially with a few reds.
Friday 10th July 2015 saw a BIG BIG breakfast prior to breaking up camp as we commenced picking up rubbish from Roxby Downs to Olympic Dam------Well what a mess huge volumes of discarded food and coffee containers littered the sides of the roads. Once onto the Borefield Track the volume of rubbish petered out with the return of familiar tyres, tyre remnants and broken parts falling from trucks etc, we continued on to the Oodnadatta Track and then on to Leigh Creek. We offloaded at the Leigh Creek Recycling depot with thanks to Alinta Energy delivering approximately 16.5 tonnes of rubbish including 136 tyres.
THE STATS:-A total of 1,818 kms was covered by each vehicle equating to 19,998 kms in total. A total of 2,910 volunteer hours were completed by members on the Oodnadatta Track cleanup. 56.75 tonnes of rubbish was collected, including 450 whole tyres-majority of them Truck Tyres and 8 wool bales of refundable bottles and cans = 6,953 earning a refundable income of $695.30. Volunteer Hours are rated by SA GOVERNMENT at $25/hour as an in-kind contribution by our members to the community. This Trek was valued at $72,750.
2016
- July Cleanup Trek (Saturday 9th July - Friday 15th July)
Well 2016 was a trip to celebrate 10 years of cleaning up out iconic Outback Tracks. A lot of hard work went into the planning for various celebratory activities in various communities in the North East Pastoral District of South Australia. 41 members in 15 vehicles committed to the trek.
Who would have thought that this memorable occasion would go down for other reasons as a very memorable trek. All our plans were in place to depart Leigh Creek on Saturday 9th of July 2016. However, FATE set about delivering a different course of events for us.
As members began arriving in Leigh Creek for the meal at the Leigh Creek Tavern on the Friday night 8th of July to be followed by the Trek Safety Briefings, it soon became apparent that this year would be vastly different from any other year. Previous working bee's on the Camp Kitchen and Truck with the fitment of a complete new solid bumper bar and tow hitch in place. The retaining bolts sheered through as they were entering Hawker, with only Greg's masterful driving averting a catastrophe. Greg was able to keep the Camp Kitchen upright and stop it when the entire hitch set up broke away. They were then stranded in Hawker, with no air for the braking system for the camp kitchen, other members enroute stopped to assist and local businesses of Hawker came to the rescue.
Repairs were made and they were able to continue their trip to Leigh Creek, arriving in the early hours of the morning. It was decided to postpone departure on the Saturday as further supports were needed to be welded into place to strengthen the hitch.
DAY 1:- Saturday 9th July saw a roadside briefing take place, new members Wendy Ault, Rebecca Henderson, Sharni Gilmour, JoAnna Skewes and Richard Lyman were introduced to the crew.
No group photos at this time, we finally hit the road, cleaning up the road sides from Leigh Creek towards Innamincka. As some members made a search for a suitable camp site on the Strzelecki Track, well short of Montecollina Bore, word filtered through that the Truck and Camp Kitchen had broken down with Clutch issues at a creek crossing.
Frank Lyman and some of our trusty mechanics made their way back along the Strzelecki Track and with the DEWNR 4x4 Truck, towed our truck and camp kitchen to camp. We settled in for the night and the camp was established with a worthy feast prepared for all. The theme of BOGAN AUSSIE for the night saw some very very weird dress ups. Winner of the BEST BOGAN get up was Janet Franklin with Carmel Paxton Runner up, all the kids outfits were classed as winners. Worse effort of the night was new member James Murray. Later in the evening many discussions followed in relation to the truck and it was confirmed that the Clutch was completely irreparable.
DAY 2:- Sunday 10th July we set off leaving the Truck, camp kitchen and its crew at our new BASE CAMP, we then picked up rubbish until BOB's Bore on the Strzelecki Track. Frank and the DEWNR truck took a full load of rubbish and tyres with a couple of other crews with full trailers to Moomba to off load at the Recycling Depot. They would return to BASE CAMP once complete. HOWEVER , Nature intervened with some rain, Frank and his son Richard, ended up camping with some BIG RIG trucks that had to stop due to the rain closing the road.
DAY 3:- Monday 11th July, Kath and George Thompson had to leave us owing to some health issues that required attention at Leigh Creek and they subsequently returned home to Victoria. Once Breakfast was completed and all crews returned to camp, we then broke camp to set off back to Leigh Creek, off loading at the Leigh Creek Recycling depot. Frank towed our truck and camp kitchen to the Stadium at Leigh Creek, so we could set up for meals there. It was then arranged to sort out food and kitchen requirements into a trailer to be towed by the new CAMP KITCHEN vehicle thanks to James Murray volunteering his vehicle for those duties. Meanwhile all our crews left on a long day trip cleaning up the track from Copley through Iga Warta, Nepabunna, Gammon Ranges to Arkaroola and return. Whilst this was done Frank had towed our truck and camp kitchen back to home base at Quorn. A great effort, he then returned and set his truck and trailer up for the next phase of our journey .
DAY 4:- Tuesday 12th July, all crews departed from Leigh Creek, cleaning up The Outback Highway to Marree and then on to the camping grounds at Clayton Station on the Birdsville Track. Several planned activities took place at this great camping spot.
DAY 5:-Wednesday 13th July saw crews continue on to Mungerannie Hotel, from there a few members attended with Frank to the Wharburton Track to erect a large Tourist information sign for DEWNR, we collected tyres on the way and returned to Mungerannie for a bonfire and tea.
DAY 6:- Thursday 14th July saw members preparing for the 10 year celebrations at Mungerannie Hotel and thanks to Julie rescuing the night everyone eventually got a meal at the Black and White Ball. After the ball everyone settled down around the camp fire for stories both fact and fiction.
DAY 7:- Friday 15th July, members returned to Leigh Creek, unloading at the recycling centre and then preparations for the wind up meal at the Leigh Creek Tavern were made.
Although fate changed the entire Trek, we still achieved a good cleanup of rubbish. The various themes and activities were still judged with a fair bit of fun, and some grumpy results achieved.
The Annual "Pop Franklin" Memorial Award this year went to Pilko for his work on repairs etc, this was presented by Greg, Janet and Janene.
THE Winner of the BUGGA award went to ----- Keith and Jude HOFFMANN, Just
Runner up was the PAXTONS much to my DISGUST!!!!!!!!!!!!!!---BUGGA BITCH needs a lift next year!!
Best Team Member was presented to Frank and Richard LYMAN for all their hard work rescuing our truck and camp kitchen and then taking on the roll of delivering all the rubbish to the recycling depots.
Special thanks, awarded to Julie Franklin for rescuing the Mungerannie Hotel meal, working in their kitchen to ensure everyone was fed as well as arranging the awesome raffle prize a large XXXX esky. The esky was won by Heather MACCY...... Also our heartfelt thanks to Josie Hughes for making the fantastic Cake to celebrate our 10 years and for Phil taking such care in transporting it.
THE STATS:-Owing to the back and forth nature of this trek due to the issues each vehicle averaged 1,632 kms with a recorded total distance of 24,480 kms covered by all vehicles. A total of 3,499 volunteer hours were completed by members on the cleanup inclusive of many long hours of repairs and recovery. We still collected a total of 47 tonnes of rubbish, including 276 whole tyres-majority of them Truck Tyres and 3,863 refundable bottles and cans, earning a refundable income of $386.30
Volunteer Hours which is rated by SA GOVERNMENT at $25/hour as an in-kind contribution by our members to the Community with this Trek valued at $87,487.50
We thank all our sponsors, volunteers and supporters and so does the environment of Outback South Australia, as the roads and tracks do look a lot better without the rubbish and junk strewn along them as well as the many bore areas, camping and truck rest areas of The Outback Highway, Strzelecki and Birdsville Tracks and the Arkaroola road.
