Step up to clean up this weekend

Bring the family and step up for Clean Up Australia Day.

The annual nationwide event encourages Australians to help protect and care for their local environment by collecting rubbish in a bid to provide a more sustainable future.

Wollongong City Council is supporting community clean ups at ten locations from Helensburgh to Dapto across Saturday and Sunday. Participants are asked to bring gloves, sturdy footwear, and sun protection.

See below for clean up times and locations.

Saturday 4 March 2023:

• Fairy Meadow Surf Life Saving Club, Elliott’s Road – 9.30am to 11am
• Thirroul Beach Surf Life Saving Club, Lawrence Hargrave Drive – From 10am

Sunday 5 March 2023:

• Berkeley, Nan Tien Temple – 9.30am to 11.30am
• Berkeley, Tuggerah Bay (near fish market) – 9am to 11am
• Dapto Leagues Club (meet in car park) – 9.30am to 12.30pm
• Helensburgh, Old Mine Surgery, Parkes Street – 10.30am to 1pm
• Thirroul, McCauley’s Estate (meet opposite 22 Kilncar Cres) – 9am to 10am
• Unanderra McDonalds – From 8am
• Wollongong City Beach, Marine Dr (near Ted Tobin platform) – 9am to 12 noon
• Wollongong McDonalds - 11am to 12 noon

Wollongong City Lord Mayor Councillor Gordon Bradbery AM said cigarette butts, plastic food wrappers and drink containers topped the list of the most common types of rubbish picked up last year.

“Of those, chips and lolly bags were the worst offenders; these polluted our parks, sports fields and roadways which, when it rains, all end up in the ocean or scattered along the beaches.”

"Aside from ruining the natural beauty of our city, this litter is also a major hazard for our marine and bird life.”

“This is all of our responsibility. Everyone has a role to play in protecting our environment and the wonderful flora and fauna that call Wollongong home.”

“The message is clear; dispose of your rubbish in the bin. If there isn’t one where you are, take it with you and put it in your bin at home.”

More than 40 of Wollongong’s schools are doing their bit by hosting clean ups on Friday 3 March.

Visit Clean Up Australia Day to find more locations or to register your own.