The BIG Beach Cleanup

THE BIG Beach Cleanup next month will be a call to action to make a positive impact on our oceans and its inhabitants.

Gather your mates to join in the fun at the cleanup on Saturday, October 16 from 9am-1pm at Happy Valley Caloundra. You can chill out to live tunes as you remove debris from the beach and then bag yourself some free goodies for your efforts.

This is an opportunity to become a citizen scientist, learn about plastic-free alternatives, take part in free workshops and meet likeminded individuals keen to make a difference in the world.

The free event is collectively aimed at highlighting the huge problem of marine debris and plastic pollution. The event is hosted by Visionary Ocean Warriors, a not-for-profit informal group of mainly school-aged kids who have been engaging the local Caloundra community for more than four years. The group highlights the threat of marine pollution and empowers members of the community to make a difference. The group’s goal is to advocate for marine animals and the health of our oceans.

Visionary Ocean Warriors will be joined by other community groups at the cleanup, all working together towards a healthier ocean and planet.

At the event you will be able to meet amazing crew members from Sea Shepherd, an international non-profit marine conservation organisation campaigning to defend, conserve and protect the world’s oceans. They will answer questions and highlight volunteer opportunities to take further action.

Every clean up participant will receive a free Boomerang Bag that can be filled with donated items from the onsite pre-loved shop – a great incentive to participate and help reduce the number of items heading to landfill.

Fantastic prizes will also be on offer for the most debris collected and most unusual items found.

The super Mend-it Café will be operating on the day for members of the community to bring along clothing that needs simple repairs.

While all the action takes place, there will be live music from young local musicians and marine debris art will be displayed using rubbish found on the beach to highlight and raise awareness of items frequently left behind to litter Sunshine Coast beaches.

An AUSMAP microplastic study will take place at 9am. This is a citizen science initiative that involves sieving sections of the beach to capture small pieces of plastic known as microplastics.

All marine debris collected will be documented into the Tangaroa Blue Australian Marine Debris Initiative (AMDI) to help address the major causes of local marine pollution.

Visionary Ocean Warriors has been recognised as a Sunshine Coast Council Ocean Champion for its ongoing contributions to reduce marine and plastic pollution and the event is proudly supported by the Sunshine Coast Council.

The inclusion of live music, information stalls and free workshops will aim to encourage community members to participate in the cleanup, especially those who would normally not consider it or who have never engaged in a cleanup.

Free tickets for The BIG Beach Cleanup are available via Eventbrite. Like and follow Visionary Ocean Warriors on Facebook and Instagram for event highlights and news. Opportunities will be available to volunteer.

Contact: Debbie Ives 0400 027 591
Email: visionaryoceanwarrior@gmail.com
Tickets: www.eventbrite.com.au/e/the-big-beach-cleanup-tickets-168832583803