2021 here we come! How well do you know your city?

2021 here we come! How well do you know your city?

By Sue Saunders

Residents joining together to share city delights while walking, jogging and “plogging”. Did you discover secrets that lie beyond the impressive skyline?

Possibly during lockdown, you may have been one of those persons who, for necessary exercise and relief from being cooped up at home, took to walking around the streets of our city. It is likely that you discovered places formerly taken for granted – perhaps the City Library as opposed to the big State Library - and you were surprised when you came along a statue being safe and wearing a mask.

Some years ago, Residents 3000 launched a program of walking (with some tram rides) to learn about the city’s delightful secret places. A guide would explain the history of each location and walkers would be rewarded at the end of their journey (and sometimes during the journey) with stops at a special bar or coffee shop. These tours were small groups of no more than 12 people.

The tours were known as “3000 Steps” referring to our post code 3000. Recently such discovery tours are being revived.

Urban Blooms discovery tour

Late in November, when the city was essentially COVID-free, small groups of Residents 3000 members quickly arranged several casual and impromptu walks to explore interesting places, enjoy the parks, have an old-fashioned neighbourly chat and to share city knowledge with one another.

It was such a pleasure to venture out after the long lockdown, especially when the weather was being particularly kind at the time. On one walk, members enjoyed the Urban Blooms festival admiring the beautiful floral displays.

What is “Plogging”?

If you received an email inviting you to come “plogging”, would you know what that was?  

Plogging is a Swedish idea that has become a worldwide phenomenon. Now CBD residents, through Residents 3000, can be part of it within our own neighbourhood! 

Plogging involves jogging or walking to pick up litter. Our modern lifestyle generates too much plastic, cigarette butts, drink cans, bottles, coffee cups and the like. Urban waste is polluting our waterways and rivers, eventually finding its way to the oceans. In 2050, if nothing is done about the problem, scientists have estimated that there will be more plastic in ocean than fish! 

What can be better than combining exercising with doing our part for the planet! You can bring your dog along and possibly your kids or grandkids. Plogging in small groups is motivating and definitely burns more calories than walking alone! (Bending, squatting, stretching – a good muscle toner.)

You may think, why pick up other people’s rubbish? But Residents 3000 ploggers can feel that they are creating visual awareness that keeping our city clean is everyone’s duty. It is a way that we can encourage people to do their part to help the environment and to keep our city beautiful. Think about plogging our parks, our riverside, our laneways, plogging Fed Square - the list is endless.

Your committee is currently deciding on dates for many 3000 Steps and Plogging events for 2021. These will be published on Facebook, our website, Instagram and by email to members.  For example, look out for Residents 3000 participating in “Australia Clean-up Day” on Sunday March 7.  

Test your city knowledge

In the first week of February (Thursday, February 4 at 6pm) we are planning to hold our first live event at the Kelvin Club with the ever-popular Trivia Night. However, this event assumes that the City is free of COVID. Members are really looking forward to meeting up in person again.  Watch out for this event via our media outlets.

So, here we come, 2021! The focus is on everyone’s engagement and involvement as residents and lovers of the city. We invite you to feel the energy and camaraderie of Residents 3000 by participating in our upcoming events and at the same time make a difference by helping the city thrive both economically and environmentally.

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