MEMBERS of a new volunteer group set up to keep Melton railway station clean hope they will encourage pride in the area.
Karen Hickman, the team leader of Melton Stationeers, says people might think twice about dropping litter or vandalising the station if they noticed efforts to keep it clean.
The group has been given the site approval through V/Line and Keep Australia Beautiful for a Right On Track program that will improve the appearance and surrounds of the station.
Ms Hickman said setting up the group had been a lengthy process, but she was looking forward to making a difference to an area that had long been ignored.
“Once we get started, we’ll be picking up litter, leaf litter and cigarette butts on the ramps and around the station.
“The North car park needs work more than the South car park. There’s a lot of gravel and stones and there aren’t any bins and much of the litter blows in from elsewhere.”
The Stationeers will discourage vandalism by installing murals and improving landscapes while increasing public awareness of the station’s value.
“We should be taking pride in the historical building that is the station,” Ms Hickman said.
Melton MP Don Nardella said commuters and the wider community would notice the volunteers’ work.
The group will undertake basic training in late May and has called for more volunteers to join the initiative.
Details: Karen Hickman on 97439825 or
