WARRACKNABEAL'S Doug McColl has been recognised for his continuing support of Clean Up Australia Day.
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Mr McColl, 86, has organised and led Warracknabeal's clean up event since 1991.
He said his love for Warracknabeal, where he had lived his entire life, inspired him to bring the initiative to the town.
"I'm a bit meticulous about my garden and my sports," he said.
"I've played football and cricket for Warracknabeal at Anzac Park and I like to see the ground looking good and the wickets looking good."
Clean Up Australia Day founder Ian Kiernan visited Warracknabeal on Tuesday to appoint Mr McColl as an ambassador as part of the event's 25th anniversary celebrations.
Mr Kiernan also spoke about how the idea for Clean Up Australia Day came about when he was sailing around the world and noticed the rubbish ruining some the of world's most beautiful places.
Clean Up Sydney Harbour Day was in 1989 and the first Clean Up Australia Day was in 1990.
Mr McColl's wife Evelyn said the annual event had improved the town.
"We can see a lot of change since we started 24 years ago," she said.
"Sometimes you can walk around and see nothing, no rubbish at all."
Mr McColl has been involved in a number of organisations and has a string of accolades to his name.
He was awarded an Order of Australia Medal in 1985 and Victorian Senior of the Year in 2011.
Mr McColl said he was honoured to receive the recognition.
As well as a certificate, Mr Kiernan presented Mr McColl with an Akubra.
"It is taking its rightful place in my study," he said.
Mr McColl said Clean Up Australia Day would not be possible without the volunteers who took part in the event.
"I get a lot of support which is important in a town of 2500 people," he said.
The 25th annual Clean Up Australia Day is March 1.
Mr McColl said his team would focus on cleaning up the banks of Yarriambiack Creek.
