Get set to clean up Australia

IT’S a case of many hands make light work at Clean Up Australia Day events across the region this weekend.
The annual nationwide event encourages Australians to hIIelp 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-hosted clean ups from Burning Palms Beach in the north, to Stream Hill in the south.
Wollongong Lord Mayor Gordon Bradbery praised those from the community groups and clubs for putting their hands up to host cleanups across the region.
“We just passed 100 registered cleanup sites within the Wollongong Local Government Area. Of those, 15 are welcoming the general public to come along and join in the efforts,” he said.
“We have school kids, university students, companies and charities participating. It really shows that everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment and the wonderful flora and fauna that call Wollongong home. It’s all our responsibility to look after where we live.”
Last year, cigarette butts, plastic food wrappers and drink containers topped the list of the most common types of rubbish picked up.
“Of those, chips and lolly bags were the worst offenders; these polluted our parks, sports fields and roadways which, when it rains, 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.
“The message is clear; dispose of your rubbish in the bin. If there isn’t one where you are, take your rubbish with you and put it in your bin at home.”
Clean Up Australia Chair Pip Kiernan said our environment is facing pressure unlike ever before.
“Australians tell us every day that they are concerned about the world we live in but often feel frustrated and unsure how to make a positive impact. Clean Up Australia Day is a great opportunity to work together and take practical action. Together we can all make a real difference,” she said.
See below for times and locations of sites welcoming extra participants or visit Clean Up Australia Day to register your own. Participants are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear and sun protection.
NORTHERN SUBURBS:

• Burning Palms Beach, hosted by Burning Palms SLSC, 11am-1pm Sunday 3 March. Meet at the surf club.
• Helensburgh Township, hosted by Helensburgh & District Landcare Group, 10am-1pm Sunday 3 March. Meet at The Old Mine Surgery.
• Postmans Track, Helensburgh
  12pm-4pm Sun 3 March. Meet near 7 Postmans Track, Helensburgh.
• Thirroul Beach, hosted by Austinmer/Thirroul Lions Club
  10am Sat 2 March. Meet at north side of Thirroul SLSC.
• Woonona Rock Pool, hosted by Melissa, 10.30am-2.30pm Sun 3 March. Meet at the pool.
• Traction at Possums, Balgownie, hosted by For Wild Places, 10am Sun 3 March. Meet at Miners Memorial Park.