Isabelle, 8, was presented with a certificate of appreciation by Mayor Louise Crawford this month for her determined efforts in helping keep Albert Park clean and tidy.
It reads: "This certificate acknowledges your exceptional dedication to keeping our community clean and beautiful. Thank you for consistently picking up litter in our streets and public areas and for being an inspiring role model and valued part of a cleaner, healthier neighbourhood. Keep up the great work!"
Isabelle's mother Daisy said her daughter, who is neurodivergent, had also become agoraphobic and didn't want to venture outside their home.
"We were thinking about what would make her comfortable to go outside and Isabelle suggested litter picking," she said.
Armed with tongs and a bin bag, Isabelle has spent months making regular trips to pick up litter in Albert Park's public spaces, not stopping until the bag is full.
"She even wants to go out if it is raining," Daisy said.
Cr Crawford, who is a keen member of the Elwood Ploggers (who pick up rubbish while exercising), swapped litter collecting tips with Isabelle before presenting her with the certificate.
"I was so impressed with Isabelle's efforts and of all her ideas on how to encourage the community to do more to keep Port Phillip clean. Meeting her and chatting was an absolute pleasure," Cr Crawford said.
Isabelle is also passionate about ducks and brought along two toy ducks to show Cr Crawford.
She is keen to create posters incorporating ducks as the next phase of her community minded campaign to inspire others to pick up litter.
"Whenever you see litter on the ground, you should always pick it up, even if it's not yours. The environment will thank you for it later," Isabelle said.
In the meantime, her well-deserved certificate is displayed in pride of place in her bedroom.
