‘Greatest Of All Time’: ‘Herd-working’ heroes bring sunshine to every day!

In the bustling streets of inner-city suburbs, where the hum of daily life is punctuated by the sounds of construction and the sight of urban development, an unexpected team of workers is capturing the hearts of locals and brightening their days.

However, these aren't your typical employees clad in high-vis vests or wielding power tools, but they are affectionately known as Australia's 'hardest working' employees.


The herd of goats, leased from a local business called GrazeAway, have been tasked with an important job: clearing weeds naturally from a construction zone in Collingwood, in Melbourne where development was delayed.

The landowner employed these four-legged workers on and off over the next year to keep the overgrowth in check, and their presence has become a delightful anomaly amidst the concrete and steel.


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Goats employed to clear weeds naturally from a construction zone in Collingwood captured the hearts of locals. Credits: Facebook / GrazeAway


However, these furry plant eaters are more than just weed whackers; they're a source of joy and a welcome distraction for passersby.

'People come up to me all the time and tell me how wonderful it is and how important my goats are to them,' GrazeAway Owner Colin Arnold shared.

‘Someone texted me just yesterday about the goats in Collingwood saying it made their day.’

The goats' charm isn't limited to Collingwood; they're part of a larger brigade ‘happily eating away’ across Melbourne; from Maribyrnong to Mount Eliza, and Dandenong to Queenscliff.

‘We work with a lot of councils across Melbourne, and councils are very supportive,’ Colin said.

‘We have 200 goats and they're all out working.’


Colin shared how his goats have become local celebrities, with videos of their munching antics spreading joy online.

‘It's just lovely,’ he remarked.

With the popularity of the goat videos, individuals eagerly began gathering to witness the amiable workers in person.

'Please tell me where they are so I can go see the goats,' one eager fan commented

Another simply stated, 'We need to see these goats.'


The story of how these goats came to be local legends is rooted in Colin's own history.

Twenty years ago, as a nurseryman supplying plants for bush regeneration, he witnessed the heavy use of herbicides and knew there had to be a better, more environmentally friendly way.

Enter the goats, nature's own weed controllers, who can be trained to avoid certain plants, including some native species, making them perfect for bush regeneration programs and vegetation management.

The concept of employing goats for land maintenance isn't unique to Victoria.

Across the country, businesses like Flocking Adorable in New South Wales and Eco Goats in Queensland offer similar services, showcasing a growing trend in sustainable land management.


As Australia celebrates its ‘hardest-working employees’, who go above and beyond to brighten people's days, attention turns to the humorous antics captured in popular videos.

Among the uplifting stories of dedicated workers, a delightful clip featuring a cheeky emu stealing the spotlight exemplifies the nation's unique charm and resilience.

These heartwarming and amusing tales showcase the diverse spectrum of Australian wildlife and individuals, both contributing to the nation's rich cultural tapestry and spreading joy in their own distinct ways.
Key Takeaways
  • In the heart of Melbourne, goats are employed to clear weeds naturally from a construction zone in Collingwood where development was delayed.
  • The goats were leased out by a local business called GrazeAway and have been dubbed Australia's 'hardest working' employees.
  • The sight of the goats has been bringing joy to locals, with the owner of GrazeAway noting the positive impact on people experiencing loss or bereavement.
  • Beyond bringing joy, goats were used for bush regeneration programs and vegetation management, offering an alternative to herbicides. Herds of goats can also be leased by companies across Australia for environmental management purposes.
Have you had the pleasure of encountering these hardworking goats in your local area? Or perhaps you've seen other examples of animals being employed in unique roles? Share your experiences with us in the comments below.
 
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