Council to host Great Northern Clean Up in 2023

Last year, council was geared up and ready to host it’s first Great Northern Clean Up in August to replace the much hotter Clean Up Australia Day typically held in March.

Unfortunately, due to wet weather, Great Northern Clean Up was cancelled for 2022.

This year, council will host Great Northern Clean Up on Sunday 6 August 2023 when the weather is cooler. Although a formal event for Clean Up Australia Day will not be held this March, don’t let that stop you from taking action in your community.

Mayor Kerry Hayes calls on residents to think about the ways they can reduce their wastage.

‘Clean Up Australia Day is a great reminder to all residents to come together and take steps to make a positive impact on the environment.

‘Pop a rubbish bag in your pocket before your morning walk and pick up any litter you see along the way, put a ‘no junk mail’ sticker on your mailbox, or opt for a reusable coffee cup. Simple things like this can make a huge impact,’ he said.

Mayor Kerry Hayes is looking forward to the council-run clean up event that will be held in early August.

‘After being rained out last year, we are excited to be hosting the Great Northern Clean Up and I encourage all residents to participate in this event.

‘By working together, we can make a real difference in our environment and create a cleaner and healthier future for our communities,’ he said.

Clean up materials and a free sausage sizzle will be provided for the Great Northern Clean Up. More details will be released soon. Head to the Great Northern Clean Up event on our Facebook page to keep updated.

Looking for ways to keep busy this weekend? Check out some more tips below:

Collect your bottles and cansMake 10c per can or bottle, or donate to various charities that use Containers for Change.Take your pre-loved goods into Trash to Treasure in EmeraldYou might be surprised that someone could be interested in that old thing you never use anymore! When you sell something you don’t use anymore, you keep the item out of the landfill, you stop someone from having to buy new and you pocket some cash.Avoid buying oversize packagesAs appealing as the lower price may be, it’s only worth it if you use it up in its entirety before it expires. Only purchase in high volume if the ingredient has a long shelf life.Clean out your email inboxDon’t be tempted to overconsume. Unsubscribe from any retailer marketing emails that aren’t benefitting you!The freezer is your friendIf you notice that some ingredients are starting to bruise or wilt, freeze them. Most fruits and vegetables can be frozen, then used in smoothies, soups and stews at a later date.Carry a takeout kitNo time to pack your lunch? We get it. Keep a simple kit on hand for grabbing food on the go with less waste. Put cutlery and a cloth napkin in it to avoid using the disposable versions at grab-and-go restaurants.