Clean Up Australia Day preparations under way

THE nation’s largest community-based environmental event is just around the corner, as the Surf Coast, Bellarine and Geelong community come together to celebrate Clean Up Australia Day on March 5.

More than 20 million Australians have stepped up over the course of the last thirty years, to champion the mission of event founder Ian Kiernan in making a difference to clean up and protect the environment.

This year, the Geelong region will hope to match the efforts or increase on the more than 100 groups who organised cleanup activities in 2022.

“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 chair Pip Kiernan said.

“Clean Up Australia Day is a great opportunity to work together and take practical action. We seek the support of all Australians. Together we can all make a real difference.”

Local community group 3230 Rubbish Rangers is looking forward to seeing everyone take part in the event again and hoped it would spark people to take better care of the environment.

“We should be cleaning up every-day and not just on Clean Up Australia Day,” spokesperson John McIntyre said.

“Clean Up Australia have been kind enough to donate us bags, gloves and other things to help us out over the years, which we really appreciate.

“We get a lot of comments from people in town that the community looks tidier with our efforts each week; we do what we can.

“It’s a really important cause and a constant story.”

Registrations for Clean Up Australia Day are free for communities and schools, while businesses can pay a small fee to ensure they are covered by public liability insurance.

Those registered will receive a free Clean Up Australia Day kit.

To register or donate, head to cleanup.org.au

Business Clean Up Day – Tuesday, February 28

Schools Clean Up Day – March 3

Clean Up Australia Day – March 5