Surfrider Foundation clean-up a big success
The Surfrider Foundation’s first ‘Beach Clean-up Day’ held at Ballinas Shelly and Lighthouse beaches on October 27 turned out to be a win for the foundation.
The Ballina Scout group came down in droves to earn their environment badge, there was gorgeous weather, and almost perfect surf also contributed greatly to the high registration numbers at Shelly Beach.
With an easily visible banner set up just in front of the surf club, the Surfriders were able to attract more families, teenagers and adults than expected, who instantly registered for the day. Having received a pair of gloves and a bag, the participants were then sent off to collect the rubbish in designated sectors on Shelly and Lighthouse beaches.
Some of the participants returned with quite amazing sorts of rubbish discovered in the dunes such as tins, many plastic bottles with hoses hanging out of them, a lounge seat and a crab pot to name a few. The rubbish was segregated and disposed of in wheelie bins that were made available by Ballina Shire Council.
As a reward of the successful expedition, participants were welcomed in the barbecue area set up next to the registration tent for a sausage and environmental talks. The day could not have been possible without the hardworking volunteers, who with enthusiasm support the foundations initiatives. At the end of the day all participants received a miniature wheelie bin for their effort.
Surfrider President Brad O’Connell was very happy about how the first environmental event turned out. “We were lucky that the weather swung around and that all these people showed up here at Shelly. I think we did quite well establishing our very first ‘Beach Clean-up Day’ today,” he said.
“We were even able to spice up our budget through the barbecue, the surfboard raffle and our merchandise. I am very positive that the foundation also raised an invaluable amount of awareness in the community and would like to thank everyone for their support.”
Surfrider Foundation Ballina-Lennox intends to hold another bigger and better Beach Clean-up Day around April next year, hopefully catering for many more of the shires beaches. Anyone looking for further details should contact Surfrider’s Ballina -Lennox Head president Brad O’Connell on 0417340313 or 0266 86 0809.
PICTURES: The clean-up army on the job at Shelly Beach.
