SES out in force for Clean Up Australia Day

Published on 01 March 2024

SES members will clean the banks and waters of Cockle Creek.jpg

Members of the orange army will be out enhancing our city this weekend, as the country’s largest community-based clean-up gets underway.

Lake Macquarie SES Coordinator Tom Mackel said Clean Up Australia Day, has been a long-time tradition for the SES, spanning more than two decades.

“Part of our duty is to look after the environment,” he said.

“The more we can do to keep our places, wildlife and plants safe, the better.”  

The SES will also have members from its Swansea and Cooranbong units scouring the ground and waterways in other parts of the city on Sunday 3 March.

“My cluster will be focusing on Cockle Creek and making that a clear and safe waterway into the future,” Mr Mackel said.

Lake Macquarie Mayor Kay Fraser was pleased to see more than 90 sites registered across the city for the event, now in its 34th year.

“Clean Up Australia Day is a fantastic opportunity for our community to come together and preserve the natural beauty that makes Lake Macquarie such an exceptional place to live,” she said.

“By joining forces, we can make a meaningful impact and beautify our surroundings.”

Last year’s efforts saw more than 8000 volunteers collect more than 14 tonnes of rubbish.

“This is a testament to our community’s care for our natural assets, and I am confident we will achieve similar results this year,” Cr Fraser said.

To take part in the hands-on experience, head to cleanup.org.au.