Women and the war effort - waste management

• 1940s: “Congratulations to the young women of Geelong for the splendid work they are doing in the "War on Waste" campaign, writes "Harvey" in the Sydney "Sun-Pictorial." Their example, if more widely known, would perhaps in spire other municipalities or groups of women who are looking for a job of work to do. These fine women of Geelong get together & allot days & routes to each member. These are announced daily in the local newspaper & householders on the route concerned for that day are requested to have their collections of waste ready on the foot- path, or if wet, on a handy veranda. Clean newspapers (tied up in bundles to facilitate loading) are requested,' scrap paper, cardboard, cartons, clean rags & clothing, envelopes & torn up letters (placed in paper bags), waste metal such as copper, brass, zinc, lead, corks, bottles & jars of all kinds, The girls often ring a bell as they drive along to announce their arrival in the street. It will be interesting to see what will become of this scheme now that petrol is to be rationed still further, but I shall not be at all surprised to find that this group has requisitioned the local "neddy" to help them in their work. Their self-sacrifice has certainly been well rewarded, for during the 12 months a sum of £1689 Os. Sd. has been received for the sale of waste products, including £5S6 15s. 9d. for waste metals. Hats off to the girls of Geelong.” Morning Bulletin (1941, July 16th), p.4)