ONE of the most loathed features of the Bendigo streetscape has a new lease on life, and it’s all about spreading goodwill.
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Three decommissioned parking meters have been transformed into vessels for donations to community-based organisations and initiatives.
Golden Square Primary School students have given the old meters a makeover.
A bright, new coat of paint and cheerful signage clearly identifies them as ‘kindness meters’.
City of Greater Bendigo strong communities officer Andrew Plant said he had heard of the idea and recognised its potential.
There was no shortage of old parking meters for the city to draw upon, having upgraded to digital devices.
“The older meters generally would have been sold for scrap,” Mr Plant said.
Together with the Community Foundation for Central Victoria, the city offered primary schools the opportunity to give students an experience of volunteering and philanthropy.
“It’s a fun way of introducing them to that concept,” Mr Plant said.
Golden Square Primary School students will ultimately decide where the funds collected by their kindness meters go, too.
“They get to hear a pitch from local charities,” Mr Plant said.
The Community Foundation for Central Victoria will assist with the process.
Monday was a milestone moment in the 12-month pilot program, with the launch of the kindness meters.
Representatives from Golden Square Primary School, the Community Foundation for Central Victoria and the City of Greater Bendigo were among gathered around the meter at Grocery Express in Panton Street to celebrate.
Member for Bendigo West, Maree Edwards also attended.
Golden Square Primary School is also home to a kindness meter, with one situated at the Maple Street entrance.
The third meter is at the Golden Village Bakery on Panton Street.
Mr Plant was hopeful the city would become home to more kindness meters and grow to involve more schools.
The kindness meters reinforce the Community Foundation for Central Victoria’s philosophy of giving where you live.
In addition to assisting with funds management, the foundation has developed a teaching module for children and young people about philanthropy.
The City of Greater Bendigo’s contribution included the provision of old parking meters and the installation of the re-purposed kindness meters.