Benny Sebastian has been itching to “do something” for Australia since he migrated from southern India almost a decade ago.
For Mr Sebastian, president of western suburbs Kerala expatriot community group Utsav Malayalee Samaj, that means improving the environment.
“When we thought of doing something for this country we live in, we thought the environment would be the best place to initiate action,” he said.
“It’s the surroundings we live in, the earth we finally return to and the air we breathe.
“Working to improve the health of the environment is the best opportunity to contribute to the good of this country.”
The group, made up of members of the Keralite community, has been beautifying Kororoit Creek in Caroline Springs, weeding, planting and maintaining the creek bed.
“We go there every week and ensure the plants are looked after,” Mr Sebastian said, “and we have a high rate of plant survival.”
Earlier this month, Utsav Malayalee Samaj received a $1250 grant from Melton council to help its Kororoit Creek work.
Other grant recipients included Friends of the Melton Botanic Garden, Friends of Toolern Creek and the Melton Environment Group.
Details about the groups: 9747 7200
