Students join local efforts to Clean Up Australia

OUR small slice of Australia was made a bit more liveable by the efforts of several local kids last week, who joined  Clean Up Australia Day efforts across the Myall Coast. 

Students at Tea Gardens Public School got their gloved hands dirty by scouring the grounds and putting rubbish in its rightful place, under the supervision of teachers and staff.

“After snack break, our students eagerly took part in Clean Up Australia School Day, showing their commitment to keeping our environment clean and beautiful,” TGPS Principal Mark Clemson told News Of The Area.

“It’s inspiring to see our students taking real action to care for our school grounds and community.

“Every effort, big or small, makes a difference, and events like this help instill a strong sense of responsibility and environmental awareness in our students, which will benefit our planet for years to come.”

Principal Clemson was incredibly proud of how the students came together to support such an important cause.

The Clean Up Schools event was a great opportunity for TGPS Student Parliament to shine, with the Minister for the Environment Livia W, and Shadow Minister Tia P, expressing their passion by demonstrating leadership during the event.

“I’ll make sure no rubbish is on the ground and make sure the environment is taken care of,” said Tia.

On the weekend, Karuah Landcare group members, kids included, got together to clean-up the ever-important expansive wetlands that surround the town, coming off the Karuah River.

“Karuah Landcare partnered with a dozen volunteers from Karuah Progress Association and their families, who all braved a wet morning to clean key sites in teams along the river, wetlands and parks,” outgoing Karuah Progress Association President Breanna Landwehr told NOTA.

“Their efforts built upon the momentum of similar activities held by Karuah Public School, and volunteers continue to pass on key lessons to children and young people who supported the day.”

“We all can lend a hand and play our part in caring for our community – keeping it clean from rubbish is just one way.”

Significant Clean Up efforts were also planned in and around North Arm Cove.

There are many groups needing volunteers to keep these initiatives going, and Karuah-based residents can reach out at Karuah.Org and connect with one of the many groups led by volunteers from sports, schools or community groups like Landcare and Progress.

North Arm Cove residents can search online for the “North Arm Cove Community Website”, while residents of other towns can look up respective organisations including the Hawks Nest Tea Gardens Progress Association, Tea Gardens Lions Club, or the Pindimar/Bundabah Community Association.

By Thomas O’KEEFE