ENVIRONMENTAL groups will be out in force this weekend to lend a hand for Clean up Australia Day.
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The Port Macquarie Landcare Group will partner with Port Macquarie Underwater Research Group (PURG) to tidy up the Hastings River.
Each year the two organisations join forces to clear our rivers.
Purge members retrieve litter from the bottom of the river while Landcare members assist to load the rubbish into bins which is then properly disposed of.
Landcare president Estelle Gough said while it was a good day for the general public to help out with the large scale clean up, it was important to heed the message of the day, every day throughout the year.
“It’s good that the day promotes getting out and cleaning up, but, it’s also important to think about it every day,” she said.
“As a whole we should be more conscious about it every day.
“One of the most important things to remember is if you visit the beach or bush, make sure you leave with everything that you came with.”
The two crews will concentrate their efforts between Westport Park and Lady Nelson Wharf where Mrs Gough said mountains of rubbish is collected each year.
“Each time we get several ute loads of rubbish from that area which is really disheartening,” she said.
“All this rubbish and pollution is damaging our environment and wildlife.”
Lake Cathie residents will also join in activities on the day and volunteers are being called on to help out.
Anyone interested in helping is urged to meet at the picnic shelter at the Foreshore Reserve between 8am and 10am.
On arrival, volunteers will be allocated a work area and provided with collection bags.
Rob Tate will manage the event and would like to hear from anyone with suggestions for specific areas needing attention.
Interested parties can contact Mr Tate on 0414 855 102. It is recommended volunteers wear sturdy shoes, a hat and gloves and apply a recommended sunblock.
For other Clean Up Australia Day sites in the Hastings, go to the organisation’s website www.clean
upaustraliaday.org.au/join/?loca
tion=2444