Local Dad Takes Action To Clean Up Riverside Seating Area

A community-minded dad has rolled up his sleeves to tackle the graffiti and rubbish plaguing a popular riverside rest stop—turning frustration into action and sparking inspiration along the way.

Dion Loader, a local father and the owner of Loader Painting & Maintenance, said he had simply had enough after noticing the growing mess at the seating area along the Bluewater Quay Trail where his family often visit during weekend bike rides.

“I just did it because I did it. That’s the type of person that I am. I care about our community,” Dion said.

“The main reason I did it... is because I use that seating area with my kids when we go cycling, and I didn’t really want to take my kids up there and sit around all the graffiti.”

The damage was extensive.

“It’s been tagged all over—from the table to the chairs to the roof, post, light poles, rubbish bins, even the concrete,” he explained.

“I picked the litter up… cleaned those tables and chairs, and picked up all that rubbish and threw it in the bin.”

Armed with cleaner, and a handful of rags, Dion spent hours on Easter Sunday scrubbing the area—determined to restore some pride to the space.

“If you see stuff like that... just do your bit,” he said, “It might not be much, but it does help.

“If you can’t, just report it to the council – there are apps you can use to report stuff like that.”

He believes more deterrents may be needed.

“Hopefully we can catch these people in the act. I don’t know what it’s going to take to stop that—maybe cameras, or patrol in the area.”

Mackay District Officer Superintendent Dean Cavanagh praised Dion’s actions, saying, “We're very lucky in the Mackay Whitsunday District to have such a good community… that’s one example of that – when you have a resident that goes above and beyond to make sure that their public spaces are liveable.

“It’s just fantastic to see.”

Dion’s passion for his community now extends beyond cleaning public benches, with hopes to continue his efforts through a future in local politics – driven by a desire to make lasting, positive change in the region he calls home.

“I’d like to do more for this community,” he said.

“I'm going to start small and build myself up from there and try and make a change in the community and everything in it.”

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Local father and small business owner Dion Loader took it upon himself to clean a vandalised riverside seating area, turning frustration into action and inspiring others to take pride in their community. Photo source: Dion Loader (Facebook)

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