Goolwa Tidy Towns pioneer Alan Jones has been honoured with a seat in recognition of his longstanding service to the community.

The seat is located on the rise adjacent to the newly refurbished Chartroom, overlooking the Goolwa bend on the River Murray.

Goolwa Tidy Towns is celebrating its 30th anniversary this year; the volunteer group has undertaken weekly gardening and litter collection every Thursday morning for the last 30 years.

The group was established by Helen and Alan Jones in early 1992 and has made many significant contributions to the community including securing grants to upgrade Cadell Street by laying underground electricity cables, upgrading footpaths and planting street trees, as well as establishing garden beds and ‘Welcome to Goolwa’ displays. 

Following her passing in 2015, a seat was erected in memory of Helen Jones; it overlooks the Cittaslow Corner Rose Garden maintained by Tidy Towns volunteers.

Alexandrina Council, through its community grants program, agreed to fund a new seat to recognise Alan Jones’ contribution and celebrate the 30th year of Goolwa Tidy Towns.

There was previously no provision for seating on the busy public walkway and bike path that leads to the Wharf Precinct. 

Council staff installed the seat in September and Tidy Towns volunteers have undertaken landscaping to establish a small garden using local native plants.

Alexandrina Mayor Keith Parkes officially opened the seat at a ceremony on Thursday 20 October attended by family, friends, Tidy Town volunteers and the wider community.

Julia Fraser, Goolwa Tidy Towns Secretary, passed on a special message of thanks from KESAB. 

The ceremony was followed by a gathering at Alan’s house overlooking Goolwa Wharf to celebrate his 90th birthday.