Volunteers gathered on July 28 for a clean-up event around the Port Macquarie Town Green and CBD.

There were giveaway prizes and a birthday cake too.

Coastal Warriors is made up of community members dedicated to preventing plastics and other harmful products entering our waterways.

The volunteers have collected more than 24,000 pieces of rubbish in the past 12 months.

Coastal Warriors – Mid North Coast president Addam Lockley said the group had raised awareness about the impact of rubbish on the marine environment and single-use plastics.

The group has also secured a floating rubbish bin called a Seabin for Port Macquarie Marina.

Coastal Warriors – Mid North Coast is preparing to release a six-month clean-up schedule and is working towards a school education program with a focus on the impact of rubbish on wildlife.

Camden Haven High School student Jessica Young and her mum Amanda joined the July 28 clean-up.

Jessica was keen to take part after learning in her geography class about the War on Waste.

“My teacher explained about Coastal Warriors and I thought it would be good to take part in because I heard a lot about how much rubbish there is in the sea,” she said.