When Great Lakes graffiti buster, Ted Bickford was offered a replacement work vehicle, his only request was for a twin-cab.
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His wish was granted with the delivery in the new year of an 'as new' twin-cab Isuzu 4WD ute emblazoned with brightly coloured splashes of hot pink, electric blue, lime green, orange and purple.
Now on his third truck since the former Great Lakes Council (MidCoast Council) began sponsoring Ted more than 25 years ago, he was more than happy to farewell the aging Toyota which had notched up more than 200,000 kilometres.
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"I asked for a twin cab so I could take the young people with me," Ted said.
"I can now take four people.
"It's marvellous, it is absolutely brilliant."
At the same time a humble Ted thought maybe the vehicle was a 'bit too fancy' for the volunteer octogenarian.
This (program) has been absolutely brilliant; I never thought it would be as successful as it has been.
- Ted Bickford
"It has everything I need, but I had to get my grand-daughter to teach me how to use it."
Ted described the truck as a massive reminder on wheels about the importance of keeping the community graffiti free.
"It has been so successful; it is always in people's minds.
"That is why we don't have the problems other towns have."
Ted attributed much of the success to the anti-graffiti program throughout the Great Lakes to four major factors.
"The community is on-side and they have made it clear they don't want any graffiti, I have the schools on-side, I work with the Department of Corrective Services and council."
MidCoast Council supplies Ted with all items needed to successfully remove] graffiti, while a corrective services program gives him much needed volunteers.
"This (program) has been absolutely brilliant; I never thought it would be as successful as it has been."
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Jeanene Duncan
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
Jeanene has more than 40 years experience as a regional and rural journalist starting at The Land Newspaper. She also worked for Stock Journal Newspaper (SA), McPherson, Fairfax newspapers and Rural Press, and contributed to various magazines.
