CENTRAL Victorians have been putting their bins out in style as they try to liven up self-isolation.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Dressing up for bin night has become a global movement during the COVID-19 pandemic, with many putting on their best outfits or costumes to do the weekly chore.
Bendigo resident Hannah Allen's daughters Alira, Mia, and Evie joined in on the fun this week, dressing up as fairy princesses.
"I think it's great," Ms Allen said. "They were so excited. They're bored at home and stuck inside so it was great for them to be able to go out, dress up, and show off their personality.
"My lot did not want to take off their costumes."
Ms Allen heard about the global movement through family and joined the 'Bin Isolation Outing' group on Facebook.
She posted the photo of her daughters - aged nine, six, and two - to the site.
Read more: Bendigo families going on a bear hunt
Ms Allen said the comradery in the group has helped brighten up these challenging times.
"I think it's just amazing," she said. "You see people from all over the world taking photos or doing videos - it's not just the people from Australia.
"We had people comment on our post from England and the US.
"I think it's fun, not just for the kids but the adults as well. It just gives them something to do."
Some residents in the region have dressed up as superheros or put on their finest frocks.
A group of men in the Macedon Ranges even developed a viral video to the tune of Lady Marmalade.
Bendigo resident Nicole Murphy also took part in the movement, dressing up in an inflatable wrestler costume to put out the bins.
"It's great to have any excuse to dress up," she said. "The level of commitment and production seems to be getting very competitive on the Facebook page.
"So I'm not sure whether to step the game up big time or back off quietly.
"My teenage kids were getting embarrassed when they saw lots of neighbours gardening and exercising while I went out, but it gave them a good laugh so it was worth it!"
Ms Allen encouraged others in the community to take part in the new movement.
"It's a great idea to get out and show off creativity and personality," she said.
"It gives us something to look forward to each week and it means the children take out the bins as well."
Tara Cosoleto
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
Journalist covering courts and general news at the Bendigo Advertiser.
