SUNDAY 1 March is Clean Up Australia Day and Bellingen Canoe Adventures, alongside Bellingen Council and Bellinger River RSL sub-Branch, will be promoting rubbish awareness through a fun all-ages event.
Meeting at Lavenders Bridge at 8.30am, there will be a welcoming free breakfast sponsored by Bellingen Shire Council and cooked by Bellinger River RSL sub-Branch members.
There is a volunteer safety talk and registration at 9am, setting everyone up for a safe adventure,
Participants are then talked through canoeing orientation and safety on the river, and are fitted for their life jackets.
“The objective is to clean up rubbish in and around the river as they paddle along,” Bellingen Canoe Adventures co-owner and operator Jody Newhouse told News Of The Area.
Double and single canoes will be available.
Volunteers will be dropped off and picked up at three different parts of the Bellinger River/Hydes Creek.
Participants can choose a half-hour, one-hour or two-hour paddles.
Bellingen Canoe Adventures has been operating for 26 years, and during that time owner-operator Daniel Newhouse has conducted tours on the river virtually every day.
He collects bottles and cans, plastic and fishing tackle, cigarette butts and aluminium cans.
“The river is not just where we work – it is a central part of our lives and our community,” Jody said.
“We are deeply passionate about the environment and take great pride in caring for the natural spaces that sustain both our business and our town.
“We do not want to see rubbish polluting the river that we cherish.
“We love Bellingen – and especially our beautiful river which is at the heart of our community.
“We feel a strong responsibility to help keep it clean, healthy and pristine for future generations.”
On the day, gloves and bags will be supplied by Clean Up Australia Day.
Bellingen Shire Council will collect the rubbish at the end of the day.
“Bring sunscreen, a hat, drinking water and footwear such as sneakers, thongs, sandals or river shoes.”
To sign up call Jody on 6655 9955 or visit the website and enrol at Clean Up Australia Event #64750.
By Andrea FERRARI
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