IT IS the end of an era for Wagga's Tidy Towns committee after almost four decades of leading the charge for a cleaner and more sustainable community.
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Committee chairman John Rumens said the group, like most volunteer organisations, struggled to find young people who are willing to "pick up the torch and keep carrying on" after 38 years.
"We got to that point where we have run out of volunteers in those younger demographics and there isn't anyone on the committee who is under 70 years old," he said.
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Although the group has come to an end, Mr Rumens said their sustainability programs will be replicated by Wagga Urban Landcare, which has a "younger and more dynamic" team behind them.
Mr Rumens said it was important that the committee could pass the baton onto another group. He urged all residents to support the group's activities and enhance the city's appearance.
"First impressions are very important and if people drive into the city ... and the first impression they get is that Wagga is a pretty good looking town, it might persuade them to think about it as a future residence or site for a business," he said.
"We're pretty proud to make even a small contribution to making that happen.
"We discouraged litter and illegal dumping and we think [Wagga Urban Landcare] can continue the job that we as a committee are past doing."
The committee has been behind litter reduction programs, as well as supporters of educational programs in schools and the broader community throughout the years.
"Through education - which we are great believers in education through the schools - we can get kids into good habits while they are young to carry through to their adult life - and we hope in the long-term it will reduce litter and illegal dumping," Mr Rumens said.
He said Clean Up Australia Day was one of the committee's biggest successes, which was organised in collaboration with Wagga City Council.
Also in partnership with council and Riverina Water, Mr Rumens said the group reduced water uses on nature strips by using compacted gravel or water wise plants in place of traditional lawn.
"We are advocates for using our resources wisely and water is one of them, especially at the moment where the state is in drought. It is a big issue and looks like it will continue," he said.