Whitsundays unite for Clean Up Australia Day

by Coral Sea Marina 1 Mar 23:45 PST

The Whitsundays community came together on Sunday 1 March for Clean Up Australia Day, with two events across Airlie Beach collectively removing more than 310 kilograms of litter from the region's coastline and waterways.

Despite the weather, a combined total of 53 dedicated volunteers participated in clean-up activities hosted by Coral Sea Marina, Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. and the Whitsunday Sailing Club, demonstrating the region's shared commitment to protecting its globally significant marine environment.

30 volunteers rolled up their sleeves and joined Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. and the Whitsunday Sailing Club to remove approximately 180 kilograms of rubbish from the area around the Whitsunday Sailing Club, Boathaven Beach, the Airlie Beach foreshore and as far as Mandalay. Each piece of rubbish collected represents one less threat to marine life and the pristine Whitsunday environment.

Meanwhile, at Coral Sea Marina, 23 volunteers braved steady rain over two hours to collect more than 130 kilograms of debris from the marina and surrounding coastal areas. From smaller plastic waste items to larger car parts and carpet cut-offs rescued from the mangroves, every bag filled represented a meaningful step toward safeguarding the marine environment in the region.

"We're incredibly grateful to the volunteers who came out on Sunday despite the rain to help us with the clean-up, especially the kids. To see the younger generation so engaged with protecting our environment is really encouraging," explains Joscelyn O'Keefe, Coral Sea Marina

The day was a true community celebration. The Whitsunday Sailing Club generously hosted a sausage sizzle following the clean-up, providing volunteers with a well-earned thank you and fostering a wonderful atmosphere of community connection and shared purpose.

"On behalf of the Whitsunday Sailing Club I would like to thank the incredible volunteers and the amazing team at Eco Barge Clean Seas for their tireless dedication and hard work", says Pamela Rusin, Events Coordinator at Whitsunday Sailing Club.

"Because of you, Airlie Beach stays cleaner, protecting our oceans from rubbish and preserving the natural beauty of our coastline for everyone to enjoy"

The day concluded with a particularly special moment at Boathaven Beach — the release of "Tina," an adult green sea turtle who had spent two weeks recovering at the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre. Tina was admitted covered in barnacles and algae but was otherwise healthy. After careful cleaning, care and a diet including her favourite squid, she was successfully returned to the sea to the delight of volunteers and onlookers.

Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. extended heartfelt thanks to the Whitsunday Sailing Club and the incredible volunteers who made the day such a success, while Coral Sea Marina acknowledged the ongoing dedication of its community in supporting sustainable marine practices.

As custodians of the gateway to the Great Barrier Reef, the Whitsundays community continues to demonstrate strong environmental leadership. Clean Up Australia Day serves as a powerful reminder that collective local action plays a critical role in protecting one of the world's most treasured marine environments.

Together, the region's volunteers have sent a clear message: the Whitsundays cares deeply about its coastline — rain, hail or shine.