Call-out for clean-up volunteers

​Keeping Canterbury-Bankstown clean is what will motivate hundreds of volunteers to take part in this year’s Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 3 March.

Neville Austin, from the Hume Region Scouts Adventurous Activities team, will once again coordinate the Canoe Journey, which is now in its 15th year.

Volunteers will paddle by canoe and pick-up rubbish in the Georges River. Their journey will begin at Como, in the Sutherland Shire, and finish at Monash Reserve, East Hills, in Georges River National Park.

"Over the years, we have seen a good difference to the (Georges) river, in that it’s getting cleaner," Mr Austin said.

"I was first involved with Clean Up Australia Day 15 years ago and thought it was a good activity to take part in.

"With the support of other leaders, parents and a stack of cubs, scouts and ventures we have managed to keep the activity going."

Mayor Khal Asfour said Council cleans up more than 2,500 tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish each year - enough to fill 250 trucks.

"Last year, more than 400 volunteers collected over 500 bags (four tonnes) of litter from our parks and waterways, on Clean Up Australia Day, at more than 100 sites across our City," he said.

"It’s a chance for the community to come together to do its bit in helping make our City an even better place to live in, work in, visit and enjoy.

"Many hands make light work. One hour of your time can help make a difference to the environment, so I encourage all residents to consider taking part and play a role in showing they care."

Mr Austin and the Canoe Journey volunteers will be one of more than 100 local groups taking part in this year’s Clean Up Australia Day in Canterbury-Bankstown, with Council providing bags and disposing of the collected rubbish.

To find out where you can help clean-up, or create your own site, visit https://www.c​leanup.org.au/