BADEN Powell Park Scout Group are stepping up to protect the environment, inspired by a bold bird mosaic made from beach plastic waste that hangs in their Mt Eliza beach hall.
The colourful mosaic, created in 2018 using plastic collected from the local foreshore, had become a symbol of the scouts’ commitment to caring for the environment.
Scout Group member Anyssa Tucker said the artwork was recently lifted from the wall, inspiring conversation about protecting wildlife.
“We were told by a retired leader that it had been produced as part of an environment day held on August 5, 2018,” she said.
“On this occasion scouts learnt how to sort rubbish, make paper dustbin-liners and collect plastics, including micro-plastics which inundate our beaches.
“Additionally, they gained knowledge and empathy for the plight of wildlife who inadvertently ingest the plastics which we, as a society, discard.
“This initiative involved viewing part of the film, Albatross, which depicts the agonizing death of these birds after the ingestion of plastics.”
Tucker said the scouts’ ongoing work was more than a project — it was a lesson in environmental responsibility.
“Lately, we have spent a lot of time recycling plastic bottles. This also helps them make money for the scout group,” she said.
Volunteers at the Friends of Williams Road Beach also work with the scouts, providing important environmental tasks.
Scouts also visited their Mt Eliza beach hall where they learnt about the beach and its natural environment, and the sources of food this provided to wildlife.
Talking about the mosaic, which was created under the guidance of artist Meredith Hocking, had generated many responses.
Gwil of Grade 1 said, “Instead of plastic, we should only use biodegradable stuff,” while Osha of Grade 1 said, “Get some people who help the environment to pick up the rubbish to help the environment.”
Grade 2 student Lucas said, “Rubbish gets stuck in the rocks. A machine couldn’t pick it up.”
Tilly of Grade 4 said it was troubling that “people don’t look at [clean up your litter] signs”.
First published in the Frankston Times – 29 July 2025
