EVERY YEAR, hundreds of people across Australia participate in annual Clean Up Australia Day events.
Coral Sea Marina is once again rallying the Whitsundays community to take action by joining them this Sunday, March 2, for a clean-up of the region.
In partnership with the Tangaroa Blue Foundation and the ReefClean program, Coral Sea Marina is putting out the call to the Airlie Beach community to come and leave their mark in preserving the pristine waters and coastline of the Whitsundays.
Volunteers are invited to spend the morning collecting litter on the land, around the islands or from waterways.
Debris recovered will be sorted and recorded by Tangaroa Blue and their passionate volunteers, contributing valuable data to the Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI).
The national data collection program helps identify sources of pollution and assists with the development of source reduction programs, which protect our marine environment.
“For the last few years, we have co-ordinated a Clean-Up Australia event, firstly to engage the community to seek simple ways they can positively contribute to protecting the marine environment, but also to show our support for this important national initiative,” Coral Sea Marina’s Head of Marketing and Business Development Joscelyn O’Keefe said.
More than 22 million Aussies have participated in Clean Up Australia Day activities in the last three decades and, as Australia’s waste challenges continue to grow, there is an increasing need to step up and support solutions.
With attendance at last year’s event at around 60 people, the marina is hoping to attract a crowd of at least 100 to this year’s event.
“The engagement we have had in the past, particularly from those with young families, is incredibly encouraging,” Ms O’Keefe said.
“A Clean Up Australia day event provides the community with a platform to make a difference in our own backyard.
“By working together with Tangaroa Blue and ReefClean, we can ensure that items collected contribute to meaningful data records and positive change for our region.
“Last year, we collected more than 100kg of litter, which was successfully removed (and in some cases recycled) and prevented from entering our waterways and polluting the marine environment.”
The Clean Up Australia Day event starts at 8am with volunteers to meet at Meeting Point D, Coral Sea Marina.
All volunteers are encouraged to be sun safe – wear long sleeved clothing, a hat, sunscreen and bring plenty of water.
Collection bags and gloves will be provided on the day.
Following the clean-up, volunteers will have the opportunity to learn more about the impact of marine debris from the team at Tangaroa Blue and how to take ongoing action to protect our oceans.
The marina’s Coral Sea Academy provides opportunities for visitors and the community to engage with environmental programs and participate in volunteer opportunities and community events.
The Coral Sea Academy’s mission is to educate and inspire people to ‘travel for good’ and leave the Whitsundays better than they found it.
The annual Clean Up Australia Day event is the perfect opportunity for locals and visitors to step up for the environment.
For more information on the event, or to register your interest, visit the Coral Sea Academy website: www.coralseaacademy.com.
For those unable to attend this year’s event, Ms O’Keefe said it is easy to make an impact.
“The next time you are at the beach, boating around the islands or walking along the waterfront, collect five pieces of litter and dispose of them correctly,” she said.
“Encourage your family and friends to do the same. Every day can be Clean Up Australia Day – it doesn’t just need to be on March 2!”
About Coral Sea Marina Resort
Coral Sea Marina is an award-winning 520 wet berth marina located in the heart of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef.
As the first 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accredited marina in Queensland, Coral Sea Marina offers premium marina facilities and a range of concierge services for vessels up to 80m.
Coral Sea Marina is part of Coral Sea Marina Resort, a tourist destination that also includes a 77-room waterfront boutique resort, two vibrant marina villages, and an inspiring calendar of events.
The marina is home to 80 per cent of the region’s on-water tourism products, making Coral Sea Marina Resort the ultimate place to stay, play and explore the Whitsundays.
