Over the past few weeks you may have noticed workers in hi-vis gear out and about in our streets, parks and public spaces. They are playing an important role in minimising the spread of the COVID-19 virus by sanitising seats, handrails, and our newly reopened playground and fitness equipment.
This cleansing blitz is part of the Victorian Government’s $500 million Working for Victoria initiative and is providing jobs for many local people.
The cleansing is being managed by contractor Citywide, who have appointed 100 new workers in cleaning teams working all over our city.
Luke and Vas are two team leaders who have been supervising teams of 10 cleansing different areas in Manningham for the past three weeks. Both previously worked at a bread dough manufacturing company, sanitising the machines and equipment. COVID-19 saw a downturn in contracts and bread production and so they were left looking for other employment.
Luke’s team has been cleansing Ruffey Lake Park and the surrounding area, sanitising BBQ and picnic areas and surfaces people touch with their hands. They have also been cleansing every single seat in the park and surrounds. Best still, now that the playgrounds are open, they have been cleansing the equipment that our children play on.
Vas and his team has been cleansing the stretch of Doncaster Road between Westfield and Springvale Road, including focusing on cleansing MC Square, pedestrian crossing signals and every bus stop. Both Luke and Vas have been enjoying the new role, and say that the comments of appreciation from the public have been especially gratifying.
“Lots of people have come up to us to say thank you for the work we are doing,” Vas says. “We are just pleased to help people feel safe to come out and do their shopping and feel that the areas they are using have been cleansed and sanitised.”
The cleansing by these new teams is in addition to the work that we are already doing to slow the spread of COVID-19. Read more about our efforts and how you can get involved.
Image: A worker cleaning a playspace at one of our parks
