Community pitches in for Clean Up Australia Day

A NUMBER of local groups registered for Clean Up Australia Day, last Sunday 1 March.

The nationwide effort to remove litter and protect local environments also included public schools like Ulong and Glenreagh.

Community groups included Foreshores For All Inc., Coffs City Rotary, Korora Landcare and Jetty Dunecare. They were joined by individuals who gathered to do their bit.

Areas covered included Jetty Foreshores and beach, Park Beach, Coffs Creek, Hogbin Drive University area, Korora, Bucca, Clenreagh, Ulong, and Woolgoolga back beach.

Clean Up supervisor Fran Stephenson said, ‘We had 45 Foreshores For All members and friends participate on Sunday.

“We covered the entire Jetty Foreshores area including the beach, Jetty, Northwall, Happy Valley area, along Jordan Esplanade and the general parklands.

“We had around 40 bags from the foreshores area alone.

“It was astounding, but very disappointing, how much rubbish was collected.”

Ms Stephenson said Foreshores For All Inc. members also joined Jetty Dunecare to clear out five long-abandoned camps in the Happy Valley area.

“This was a big job involving a team of five helpers and generated a lot of rubbish that should have been removed ages ago.”

Dunecare says there are still another two camps needing to be cleared

“According to Clean Up Australia, our waste challenges continue to grow,” Ms Stephenson said.

“Now, more than ever, it’s time for all [of us] to do our bit, and support solutions that move us towards a circular economy – where everything is a resource, and there is no such thing as waste.”

Coffs City Rotary Club cleaned up along both sides of Hogbin Drive between Southern Cross University and Sawtell Road.

Club secretary Terry McGuire said, “We collected about 25 big bags full of rubbish.

“We participate every year as part of our overall community involvement.”

Clean Up Australia doesn’t have to occur on the designated day.

For example, Orara Clontarf Academy pupils cleaned along the Jetty Beach early on Friday morning 27 February and Ngiyambandigay Wajaarr Aboriginal Corporation cleaned up near Boambee Creek on 24 February.

“We thank all who participated and all the groups and individuals who cleaned up other areas of our city,” Ms Stephenson added.

By Andrew VIVIAN