Today I would like to recognise the amazing work of Emu Parade, a grassroots initiative transforming the simple act of cleaning up our coastlines. Started in 2019 by Roland Davies with the help of his ex-fire fighting truck affectionately named 'Trish', Emu Parade is on a mission to reframe rubbish collection into a fun social activity. Bring back a bucket of litter and you will be thanked with a barista-quality coffee crafted in the pop-up cafe in the back of the truck. The truck itself is run on used vegetable oil from cafes and restaurants, and the coffee machines are powered by batteries. His creative approach and genuine passion for community and sustainability have not only helped keep our local beaches clean, but have also inspired others to think differently about waste and the power of small actions. Roland and 'Trish' travel to clean-up spots across the Northern Beaches and into regional towns, drawing people together, sparking conversation and leaving every spot better than it was found. Congratulations to Roland on this incredible initiative, and thank you for continuously taking care of our environment.
Read the Community Recognition Statement in the NSW Hansard, here