Family groups dominated Saturday’s Coastal Warriors third outing to clean up the stretch of waterway from Lady Nelson Wharf to Westport Park.
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With community support continuing to grow, the Stephens family were among the many to turn up on a glorious morning.
Decked out in their personal protective gear, Meegan Stephens said there were valuable lessons to be learned by participating in the event.
“We are involved in Coastal Warriors because we want to see a clean foreshore,” she said.
“It is all about protecting our oceans. Our oceans are life and I want to see our waterways clean for my children.
“Being involved also makes you feel like you are making a difference and being active in this community.
“And it is positive too because you are protecting the marine life in and around our beautiful area.”
Saturday’s event was the second Coastal Warriors event for the Stephens family.
Committee member Michelle Parker said rubbish collected was logged and then reported.
She praised the Port Macquarie community for coming out and supporting the Coastal Warriors.
“And it is growing too,” she said.
“Our first event attracted some 70 people while the second event at Flynns Beach had a wonderful turn out of about 100 people.
“We are very pleased with the way it is growing.
“There is definitely a bit of a buzz around town and on our Facebook page. People are really following us and getting involved.”
Ms Parker said the success of Coastal Warriors was a wonderful testimony to the strength of the Port Macquarie community.
While family groups were certainly evident at Saturday’s event, the lessons kids learnt at the event were obvious, she said.
“I bring my kids down to get involved so that they learn that you don’t litter because someone has to pick it up,” she added.
Ms Parker also praised people came out on Saturday because they want to get involved and they are proud of their town and want to see it clean and beautiful.
The stretch of waterway on Saturday was identified as a main litter hotspot during Port Macquarie-Hastings Council’s litter blitz.
Coastal Warriors president Addam Lockley said the group has received a great deal of interest since he and his mate Liam McAlary got together a few months ago to come up with a plan to combat litter in our local area.
“At our last event at Flynn’s Beach in August, we had around 100 people show up, gloves ready, to pick up rubbish,” Mr Lockley said.
“We’ve collected a disgusting amount of litter over the past two events - almost 70 kilograms from Town Beach, and more than two full ute-loads from Flynns Beach.
“Single-use plastics like, water bottles and plastic bags, are by far the most common pieces of rubbish we come across, and something we can all easily avoid.”
The event sponsor, LV’s cafe, will offer volunteers 10% of coffees, cakes and bronuts on the day.
Follow Coastal Warriors on Facebook to find out about their upcoming events.