14 February 2011

Mark your diary, Sunday 6 March, the day when hundreds of thousands of Australians will take to the streets, local parks and beaches for Clean Up Australia Day – Australia’s largest community participation event.

In 2011, Strathfield Council is calling for volunteers to meet at Cooke Park on the corner of Chisholm Street and Excelsior Avenue, Belfield and clean up the industrial area around Madeline Street. All local residents are encouraged to come and lend a hand.

Clean Up Australia Chairman Ian Kiernan AO is encouraging everyone to do their bit towards protecting local ecosystems while improving the appeal of their area.

“Australians generally do the right thing, but with each one of us producing two tonnes of rubbish every year, there is still too much waste ending up in our natural environment,” Mr Kiernan said.

“Every piece of rubbish that ends up in our parks, waterways, bushland and on our streets or beaches is a potential killer of local wildlife,” Mr Kiernan said.

Mayor of Strathfield, Tony Maroun echoed Mr Kiernan’s comments, calling on the residents of Strathfield to get involved in cleaning up around Cooke Park and Madeline Street.

“Clean Up Australia Day is the perfect opportunity for everyone to come together and help clean up our local parks and industrial areas and think about how we can reduce our impact on the environment,” said Cr Maroun.

“Strathfield is known as a beautiful area, but it is up to us to keep it that way.”

Anyone and everyone can get involved, simply go to www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au to register as a volunteer or simply turn up at Cooke Park on Chisholm Street from 8.30am on March 6 to register your participation in this great event. Bags and gloves will be provided, participants should wear comfortable clothing, footwear and sun protection.

“Clean Up Australia Day is a great excuse to get a group of mates together. You’ll sleep well at night knowing that you’ve helped out on Clean Up Australia Day 2011,” Mr Kiernan said.