Locals Unite to Keep Coastline Pristine for Clean Up Australia Day

Community spirit was in full force across the shire on Sunday, 1 March, as locals turned out in strong numbers for Clean Up Australia Day, rolling up their sleeves to protect the coastline they call home.

In Wongaling Beach, volunteers met at Rotary Park before splitting into four teams to patrol Wongaling, South Mission, Main Mission and Bingil Beaches. From 1pm to 5pm, participants scoured the sand at and below the high tide mark, collecting plastic debris ranging from tiny fragments to larger washed-up items. Gloves and bags were provided, with volunteers encouraged to work at their own pace as the task involved significant bending and sifting through sand.

Later in the afternoon, another clean-up effort brought families, dog-walkers and long-time volunteers together at Porters Promenade, near North Mission Beach. Organised by community group C4, the 3pm event invited residents to “bring your kids, bring your dog (on a leash), bring your smiles” and help care for a stretch of coastline of special significance to the Djiru custodians.

With a 3.55-metre tide earlier in the day creating ideal conditions for collecting marine debris, two teams were formed following a briefing at the northern amenities block. One group focused on the Fish Trap and North Mission Beach area, while another tackled more challenging terrain near Clump Point Lookout before regrouping at 4.30pm. In 2025, organises reported removing 99 kilograms of rubbish from the shoreline between Clump Point Lookout and Fish Trap.

Across both events, bags of collected plastic stood as a powerful reminder of the ongoing challenge of marine waste — and the strength of a community committed to keeping its beaches pristine.

C4 continues to coordinate annual initiatives on Clean Up Australia Day! Photo source: C4

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