Break out the bin bags and gardening gloves because the annual Clean Up Australia Day is on this Sunday, March 6, and 12 groups across Maitland have already registered their events.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Organisers of the event are reminding community members it's not too late to register to join an existing clean up, or to start your own.
Pip Kiernan, Chair of Clean Up Australia said it's more important than ever to protect Australia's unique environment by stepping up on Clean Up Australia Day.
"The environment is still experiencing the impact of the pandemic," Ms Kiernan said.
In the news:
"Our habits changed during COVID and most of these haven't been kind on the environment.
"Surges in online shopping, meal delivery services and the use of disposable face masks and coffee cups, mean the environment is feeling the after-effects of the pandemic in ways not seen before."
Ms Kiernan encourages volunteers to sign up online so they are covered by public liability insurance.
"At this late stage, we can't guarantee your free Clean Up kit will arrive in time for Sunday, but we're strongly encouraging people to sign up and, if necessary, simply grab gardening gloves and a rubbish bag to join in on the day."
Maitland mayor, Philip Penfold is the organiser of a clean up at Thornton skate park, which is a location he has registered as a site for many years.
"With Clean Up Australia Day taking place this Sunday, I'd really encourage everyone in Maitland to get out for the morning and make a difference," Cr Penfold said.
"Form your own group or tack on to one that's already been organised and if we all do a little bit, it'll have a big impact."
Cr Penfold said he has always found Maitland to be a community that loves to come together and do their bit to make their city a better place.
"It's always great to see everyone come out and work together. Volunteers are the backbone of so much of the good that happens in our community, and I want to commend the people that are giving up their time on Sunday to help make our city a better place," he said.
"Clean Up Australia Day is a great cause, it's one of the best community initiatives on the calendar and so many different parts of the community like to get involved: schools, business, community groups, individuals, you name it."
Cr Penfold said Maitland City Council are offering free collection and disposal of the waste collected on the day.
The events that can be joined in Maitland, as listed on the Clean Up Australia Day website are:
- Thornton Skate Park from 10am on Sunday, March 6. All welcome, site supervised by Philip Penfold.
- Corner South Seas Dr and New England Highway from 10am on Sunday, March 6. Site supervised by Jenny Aitchison MP.
- Canterbury Drive Pond amd Walking Path, meeting opposite 24 Canterbury Drive Morpeth from 9am on Sunday, March 6. Site supervised by Matthew Clarke.
- Raworth, meeting next to 28 Isla Street Raworth from 9am on Saturday, March 5. Site supervised by Jenny Goodson.
- Eastville Tennis Courts, East Mailtand from 9am on Sunday, March 6. Site supervised by Jenny Swanson.
- McDonald's East Maitland from 10am on Saturday, March 5. Site supervised by Danielle Wilson.
- Maitland Park oval from 10am on Sunday. Organised by Andrew Day.
- Stockade Hill Park, meeting next to the COVID testing clinic on Brisbane Street from 9am on Sunday, March 13 (one week after other events). Site supervised by East Maitland Lions Club.