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A sunny day has helped boost response and support for Saturday’s Port Macquarie Seaside Scavenge on Town Beach.
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There was a steady stream of volunteers signing up to be part of the day, which sees participants registering and then collecting rubbish from the area.
Once the rubbish is returned to the collection area, participants are then rewarded with tokens which can be used to purchase donated pre-loved clothes, books and other items on display.
Founder, Anna Jane Linke, said since March 2015, there have been some 24 successful events held from Victoria’s Mornington Peninsula to Townsville in far north Queensland.
“We have attracted over 1750 people who have collected over 3500kg of litter, over 50,000 cigarette butts and donated over 2750kg of pre-loved goods,” she said.
Last year’s inaugural Port Macquarie Seaside Scavenge was hampered by rain, however, Saturday’s event realised the full potential of the day.
With Port Macquarie now strongly linked to Seaside Scavenge, local chapter president Karen Fulton praised all those who attended Town Beach.
“This year’s been really good and featured a really big turnout,” she said.
“It makes your heart feel warm with so many people coming along and supporting the concept. All we are trying to do is clean the waterways and to get as many community groups involved as possible.
We want to make a positive impact.
- Karen Fulton
“I think this is a great concept: to exchange trash for a currency to purchase the pre-loved clothing, books and other items that have been donated by the community.
“It brings the full cycle together in one package.”
Ms Fulton also pointed to the number of community groups that came together in support of the day. There were also nine cafes who had taken a no-plastics pledge involved in the day too.
The Port Macquarie chapter president described herself as ‘very passionate about keeping our environment clean and removing plastics and rubbish’.
“It is just destroying the environment," she added.
Ms Fulton said she got involved to make some positive action and work with other people who also share that goal.
“It is also about inspiring the community,” she said.
There are plans to hold a Port Macquarie Seaside Scavenge every six months and to build positive links with the local school community, businesses and community leaders.
“We want to make a positive impact. You can get involved by contacting us through our Facebook page.”