An 11-year-old boy from Daisy Hill obsessed with rubbish trucks has had his dream come true thanks to a surprise ride to school.
Ethan Nilsen has been fascinated with the rubbish-collectors that drive by his home every week since he was a small boy.
He knows the local drivers’ names, their truck model and numbers, and their collection routes.
He even has a YouTube channel called Queensland Garbo, where he has posted more than 660 videos of rubbish trucks in action, amassing 210,000 views.
Last week, a driver from the city’s collection-contractor Cleanaway, Krystle Tilley, made a surprise visit to Ethan’s home and gave him a ride to school in a truck.
“That was so cool,” Ethan said.
“I loved going around the streets in the truck.”
Because rubbish trucks are dual-operated with two steering wheels, Ethan said it was like he was “really driving”.
“Next time I’d like to try emptying some bins,” he said.
“I reckon I’d knock a few over but it would be great to give it a try.
“I can’t wait now to tell all my friends about it.”
In June, Ethan’s grandfather and primary caregiver, Sveinung ‘Simon’ Nilsen, a well-known character in Daisy Hill, died.
Ms Tilley organised the ride-along to help lift Ethan’s spirits.
“He’s my special little man,” a teary-eyed Ms Tilley said once she dropped Ethan at school.
“I told my boss about how friendly he is and how much he knows about our operations and when I heard about his grandfather dying, I just wanted to do something to help lift his spirits.”
Ethan’s aunt, Rachel Nilsen, said it had been a tough time for the family.
“This treat meant so much to him,” Ms Nilsen said.
“He’s only 11 but he’s already counting down the days until he turns 18 and can start to learn how to drive a truck.
“He definitely wants to be a garbo himself and I’m sure this surprise has only strengthened his determination.”
The surprise trip follows an earlier visit to Cleanaway’s Logan depot, where Ethan learned more about garbage collection and recycling processes in Logan.
“He’s a special little fellow and we wanted to make this happen,” Cleanaway’s operations manager in Logan, Declan Worth said.
Councillor Mindy Russell, who helped organise the surprise, said Ethan was well-known in his Daisy Hill neighbourhood for his constant engagement with the garbage truck drivers.
“He loves watching them at work and I’m sure his regular chats and waves is a highlight of their day as well,” Cr Russell said.
Ethan, in Year 6 at Daisy Hill State School, had a beaming smile as he emerged from a garbage truck to walk through the school gates.
