FIRST CLEAN UP FOR INDIGENOUS COMMUNITY
Mornington Shire Council staff worked tirelessly to bring together the first ever Clean Up Australia event, as part of council’s strong vision in moving the region forwards.
The event, aimed to keep the island pristine nurndine (forever in Lardil), was a huge success with organisations coming together for the worthy cause.
Gununa Post operator Owen Walker was eager to volunteer in the event saying, “we cleaned up the grounds and streets in the ‘Junction Area’ – because this is our country and we need to preserve its beauty for all.”
Mornington Island PCYC Manager Mr Keith Debnam said he and his crew volunteered to clean up the area around the PCYC building, “it’s our role as a service provider to work with our community and the local council”.
The afternoon was generously sponsored by Mt Isa Rodeo, REX airlines and Green Island Resort, which made the dynamic collaboration for council, community and organisations a huge success.
Quicksilver manager Megan Bell said, “great adventures and Green Island is delighted to support the Mornington Shire Council in the endeavours to promote Clean Up Australia Day, it shows tremendous pride in your town and community”.
Additionally REX state manager Steve Jones said, “this is a great community initiative from Mornington Shire Council, Rex is very proud to support the inaugural Mornington Island Clean Up Australia Day event”.
Mornington Shire Council Mayor stated, “the effort displayed today was nothing short of greatness and I was humbled to take part alongside community members cleaning our Gununa”.
“Our culture is linked to this land and we must respect our Australia for generations to come, therefore I commend the entire community for getting behind this event and helping to keep our areas of magnificent historical importance clean.”

MORNINGTON SHIRE RAIDERS LAUNCH
The historic launch of the Mornington Shire Raiders, following the first ever Clean Up, has successfully revived the much-loved sport in the island community.
The indigenous players, overwhelmed by support from “the everyday Australians out there”, GIVIT, Shoes for the Planet Earth, local small businesses and the media, are celebrating the official launch given the early motions of funding support.
Mornington Shire Council’s sport and recreation coordinator said “officially launching the team was a huge achievement for the players themselves, who have become indigenous role models overnight”.
Mornington Shire Council CEO Frank Mills said the entire community has truly risen as a result from this rugby resurrection.
“This island community has incredible mateship and perseverance,” Mr Mills said.
“Suffice to say that if any community in Australia had the isolation and disadvantageous issues the Raiders face – they would have given up efforts by now, yet this team have only gotten stronger.”
“Our community have very little resources out here, and we all know Mornington rarely gains the attention for all the good things going on out here – so the level of gratitude expressed by our entire community to the organisations (including GIVIT) is remarkable with council’s vision of moving forward, becoming reality.”
GIVIT founder and Australian of the Year 2015 Juliette Wright said, “GIVIT is now working with Mornington Shire Council to provide more support to the indigenous community and secure other needed items including equipment for the team such as rugby league balls, training shirts and exercise equipment.”
“When Mornington Shire Council contacted us we knew we wanted to support this community and the people working to make a difference,” Ms Wright added.
If any interested sponsors would like to be part of real positive change within Mornington Shire, please contact gacc@mornington.qld.gov.au