22/05/2025
COMMUNITY FOCUS
"Unsung Heroes"
Post 1 / 7
Terry & James
There is a question I've seen asked so often in the noticeboards and chatter-box groups, particularly around Lakes Entrance.
"Does anyone know who the guys are who pick up the rubbish on Kalimna Hill and around town.
I am honoured to present two portraits of the men, the myth, the rubbish collecting enigmas - Terry and James.
TERRY
After travelling around Australia in a caravan for four years, Terry and his wife chose the beautiful Lakes Entrance to settle down and call home.
During his regular morning walks, Terry noticed a lot of rubbish along the way and decided to start picking it up. What began as a simple gesture soon turned into a daily rubbish-collecting mission to help keep his beloved new town clean.
Terry became a familiar face to many — the kind gentleman often seen collecting rubbish from the top of Kalimna Hill all the way down to Apex Park most mornings.
Armed with his trusty grabber and a rubbish bag, Terry kept up this morning ritual for an incredible nine years. Sadly, due to health reasons, he’s had to slow down. But in true Terry fashion, he still picks up the odd bit of rubbish here and there — much to the dismay of his physio, who’s advised him against it!
JAMES
Inspired by Terry and taught by his mum to always pick up rubbish, James spent every morning, without fail, for three years walking from Apex Park to Myer Street, then back up the Esplanade to Aldi, picking up rubbish along the way. Terry used to fill plastic bags donated by The Reject Shop, and in one of his busiest years, he managed to fill 999 Bags of rubbish.
Although health challenges have since slowed his pace, James still instinctively picks up rubbish whenever he sees it — quietly making a difference, one piece at a time.
COMMUNITY FOCUS PROJECT
In honour of , we’re proud to launch our project — a philanthropic initiative by Smith Creative. Through this project, we aim to shine a light on in the community.
These incredible individuals include volunteers, humanitarians, community workers, sector participants, and others who may be underrepresented or unrecognised. People or organisations that consistently go above and beyond, dedicating themselves to causes they believe will make a real difference in the world.
Because these selfless individuals often give so much of themselves, often more than they should, and put their cause and passion ahead of personal gain, we’re excited to celebrate and honour their efforts through this initiative.
As part of this, we’re offering free (cost price) photographic, film, and media services to help highlight the incredible work they do and spread the word about their cause, especially where cost might otherwise be a barrier. We will be taking projects on a case-by-case basis, so if you know of a selfless individual or an organisation that doesn't receive funding and is doing great work in the community, please shoot us a message.
Dave