FOR more than 20 years community groups like the Singleton Scouts, Tidy Towns, Lions, Apex and Lodge United Saint Andrews have been participating in Clean Up Australia Day.
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And, on the event’s 25th birthday this Sunday, it will be no different.
Scout Leader Daryl Taylor says his charges are always happy to lend a hand.
“They always look forward to the hamburger and drink at the end,” he says with a chuckle.
“But more importantly it teaches them to respect the environment and the importance of giving back to the community.”
Registrations open at 8am at Rose Point Park and volunteers should wear enclosed shoes, gloves and sun protection and children must be in the company of an adult.
Volunteers will be allocated to a nearby clean-up site or alternatively may wish to nominate an area close to where they live or play.
Council staff will collect clean-up bags from designated collection points later in the day.
Singleton mayor John Martin says it is a fantastic opportunity to spruce up the local neighbourhood.
“Many people in our community have places that are important to them – it might be a park, the river, a walking track or sports field,” he says.
“I invite them to give up a few hours of their day and gather a few friends and family for this wonderful community event and join Australia’s biggest clean up.”
After wash-outs in 2012, 2013 and 2014, Singleton’s last big clean-up effort was in 2011, when 86 volunteers collected 2.57 tonnes of rubbish.
Councillor Martin hopes even more people turn out to celebrate 25 years of the iconic clean up event.
“And if you can’t participate on the day, consider a clean-up of your own backyard or garage,” he says.
“Council has free year-round drop off for recyclables, including ewaste, at the Singleton Waste Depot.”
