Keep Albany Beautiful honour vollies and founder Alice Rule as she hands over the reins

Albany is undoubtedly a beautiful place, and a hardworking group of volunteers at Keep Albany Beautiful make sure it is kept that way.

For 48 years, founder Alice Rule has been president of the group but after a mammoth effort, she has now handed over the reins to Lynley Harrison.

Ms Rule and other longstanding volunteers Monica Hewson and Barry Chapman have played a huge part in Albany’s recognition as a tidy town and they have been honoured at some of the town’s most spectacular spots.

Recycled reusable plastic benches now sit in Emu Point to honour Ms Rule, in Middleton Beach for Mr Chapman and in Eyre Park for Ms Hewson.

Ms Harrison said in taking over the role from Ms Rule, she hoped to continue her great work and continue to make the town as beautiful as those three volunteers had. “These hardworking volunteers are a credit to Albany and KAB in so many ways,” she said.

“My hopes as new president is to continue with all the community involvement that is in place now.

“I want to encourage younger people to get involved and to lift the profile of KAB as to be an innovative community group with new ideas and willing to take on new projects.

“Any ownership from community groups or individuals will always lift the beauty of Albany.

“My goodness, why would you want to live anywhere else?”

Although she has retired as president, Ms Rule won’t be putting her passion for the city aside.

The group hopes the seats remind people not only of the work that has already been done, but of the work we can all do in the future.

The KAB is also involved with Adopt A Spot (Albany).