Garbage truck’s efforts don’t go to waste
THERE’S nothing three-yearold Arkady Douglass loves more than watching the garbage truck every week.
So when social distancing restrictions meant a big birthday celebration was off the table, mum Sarah Barto decided to find a creative way to make her son’s birthday special.
“He’s always loved watching the recycling truck,” she said.
“He’ll sit in the driveway every week and watch it. He even knows which one is recycling, which one is green waste and rubbish.”
Ms Barto got in touch with the City of Greater Geelong and Cleanaway to help organise a special surprise visit from the garbage truck.
As soon as he saw the recycling truck through the fence, Arkady was beyond excited.
“They were fantastic,” Ms Barto said.
“They gave him a bag full of goodies and he climbed all over the truck and didn’t want to get down.
“He was so excited he didn’t want to go to daycare.”
The love of trucks and machinery runs in the family.
“My dad is an ex-truck driver, so he loves seeing photos of
Poppy’s old trucks,” Ms Barto said.
“Arkady has some sensory issues and hates loud noises, but when it comes to the trucks he’s OK with it.”
The proud mum thanked everyone who helped make the surprise possible.
“I’d just really like to thank the council and Cleanaway for taking the time to brighten my son’s day,” she said. “They put a massive smile on his dial.”