Clean up Australia Day

By Gianni Francis

Feb 25, 2022

Pitching in: Lancaster Primary School's Max McLean, Declan Rowland, Joanna Parr and Georgia Leonard were keen to get involved with Clean Up Australia Day in 2017. Photo by Contributed

A huge turnout is expected at Kyabram Memorial Park on Saturday, March 5, for Clean Up Australia Day.

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Site supervisor Nick said the day was all about adding value back into the community, maintaining a clean and safe environment, respecting a beautiful town and being proud of your community.

“Hopefully it’s a teaching opportunity to teach people in the community to value the environment and their own living space, and a respect factor for each other in the community — and it promotes a healthier and safe environment,” he said.

Campaspe Shire Mayor Chrissy Weller encouraged everyone to join a clean-up crew in their community.

“Community groups, businesses and individuals across our region have done a fantastic job organising clean-up events,” she said.

“We have continued to support these events by aiding in collection disposal and providing essential resources.

“There are many schools who have also joined the cause, encouraging the next generation to keep their town tidy, such as St Mary’s Primary in Rushworth, St Joseph’s College in Echuca and St Augustine’s College in Kyabram.”

The Memorial Park clean-up in Kyabram starts at 8.30am and is an opportunity for the community to make a difference to the town and the local environment while going for a walk and catching up with friends.

“I want people to have fun and have a walk around with their fmaily, have a chat with someone,” site supervisor Nick said.

He recommends bringing water bottles, sturdy walk wear and sunscreen.

All volunteers are required to sign in and out for Clean Up Australia Day, and children under 15 must be supervised by an adult.

Council general manager community Keith Oberin said it wasn’t too late to register an event.

“With your support, we can help to stop litter ending up in our public places, bushland and waterways,” he said.

“If there’s no appearance of rubbish on the ground, it is less likely that someone will litter.

“Rubbish that is carelessly thrown away, admittedly by a small minority of people, still can do profound damage to our native wildlife. Litter also affects the visual appearance of our neighbourhoods.

“By registering your event, even if that means just a group of mates, Clean Up Australia will send you a free starter kit, which includes bags, gloves and other resources.

“If you want to find out where all Clean Up Australia Day events are being held, go to the Clean Up Australia Day website and search your postcode to join an event.”

At the 2020 Clean Up Australia Day 650,000 volunteers committed 1.3 million hours of their time.

You can sign up for the Kyabram Memorial Park clean up at: https://www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au/fundraisers/nickmioni/kyabram-community