Is this Sydney’s greatest street sweeper?
ROSEBERY resident John Garland has been cleaning the streets in Eastlakes for the last 31 years and last week he was recognised in State Parliament as a “fixture of the community”.
Southern Courier
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AMONG discussions in State Parliament last week included the debt recovery strategy, liquor and gaming legislation and a 66-year-old street cleaner and his dog.
John Garland was the street cleaner in question along with his faithful hound Rocky. The Rosebery resident has been cleaning the streets in Eastlakes for the last 31 years — and he isn’t planning on giving up any time soon.
“I get out with my dog Rocky every morning,” he said. “He had a stroke recently and walks around in circles but he loves coming out with me.”
Heffron state Labor MP Ron Hoenig spoke about Mr Garland in Parliament last week, describing him as a “fixture of the community”.
“John is perhaps the best street sweeper in all of Sydney. He has a passion for his work and takes pride in every thing he does to beautify our local streets.”
At a presentation on Friday, Mr Garland was also handed an award by Bayside Mayor Bill Saravinovski.
“People like John are the face of the council. He’s done an excellent job and the community love him for it,” Cr Saravinovski said.
Mr Garland said the job is about more than just cleaning the streets. He is the eyes and ears of the neighbourhood and has a smile and wave for everyone who passes by. “I speak to everyone and people speak to me. I like to warn people of any problems. Everyone is very friendly. It’s a great job and I really enjoy it,” he said.