Logan boy’s trash-tastic dream comes true

An 11-year-old Logan youtuber has fulfilled a fantasy by getting a ride to school in a rubbish truck. SEE THE VIDEO

An 11-year-old Logan youtuber has fulfilled a fantasy by getting a ride to school in a rubbish truck.

Ethan Nilsen, of Daisy Hill, has a fascination with the vehicles that led him to create Queensland Garbo, a YouTube channel that has so far showcased about 660 videos of rubbish trucks in action, attracting more than 210,000 views.

However the recent passing of his grandfather, Sveinung “Simon” Nilsen, a beloved figure in the community, had left him disheartened.

To lift his spirits, Logan City’s garbage contractor Cleanaway organised a surprise for Ethan.

Ethan Nilsen in front of the garbage truck

Krystle Tilley, a driver who had befriended Ethan during her routes, drove the special truck.

“He’s my special little man – I told my boss about how friendly he is and how much he knows about our operations and when I heard about his grandfather dying, I just wanted to do something to help lift his spirits,” Ms Tilley said.

As he arrived at Daisy Hill State School, Ethan couldn’t hide his joy, saying: “That was so cool. I loved going around the streets in the truck.”

Ethan’s family, particularly his aunt Rachel Nilsen, noted the profound impact this experience had on him during a challenging time, reinforcing his aspiration to become a garbage truck operator himself.

“He’s only 11 but he’s already counting down the days until he turns 18 and can start to learn how to drive a truck,” she said.

“He definitely wants to be a garbo himself and I’m sure this surprise has only strengthened his determination.”

Originally published as Logan boy’s trash-tastic dream comes true