Annual neighbourhood clean-up this weekend

CIGARETTE butts, plastic food wrappers and drink containers are again expected to top the list of the most common types of rubbish collected over this weekend’s Clean Up Australia Day.

Northern suburbs’ residents are encouraged to bring the family and step up for the annual event, with several sites registered at Helensburgh, Thirroul, Bulli and Bellambi. Visit Clean Up Australia Day to find details and locations.

The nationwide clean-up encourages Australians to help protect and care for their local environment by collecting rubbish in a bid to provide a more sustainable future.

Wollongong City Council is supporting community clean ups at locations from Helensburgh to Dapto across Saturday and Sunday. Participants are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear, and sun protection.

Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery said cigarette butts, plastic food wrappers and drink containers topped the list of the most common types of rubbish picked up last year.

“Of those, chips and lolly bags were the worst offenders; these polluted our parks, sports fields and roadways which, when it rains, all end up in the ocean or scattered along the beaches.”

“Aside from ruining the natural beauty of our city, this litter is also a major hazard for our marine and bird life.

“This is all of our responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment and the wonderful flora and fauna that call Wollongong home.

“The message is clear; dispose of your rubbish in the bin. If there isn’t one where you are, take it with you and put it in your bin at home.”

More than 40 schools in the region are doing their bit by hosting clean ups today (Friday, March 3).

Some of the clean-up locations in the north over the weekend include:

Saturday March 4 2023:

• Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club, Elliott’s Road – 9.30am to 11am
• Thirroul Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Lawrence Hargrave Drive – From 10am

Sunday 5 March 2023:

• Helensburgh, Old Mine Surgery, Parkes Street – 10.30am to 1pm
• Thirroul, McCauley’s Estate (meet opposite 22 Kilncar Cres) – 9am to 10am

Visit Clean Up Australia Day to find more locations.

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