43 children and 42 adults turned up to clean up Congwong Bay and Cape Banks at La Perouse. Males outnumbered females by 49 to 36, with the best represented age group the 10-14s (22). There was a strong show from cubs and scouts of the Kensington, Kingsford-Smith, and Little Bay groups,Woollahra Pathfinders, Fishcare, Streamwatch, the La Perouse Precinct Committee, Randwick Residents and visitors. Successive cleanups over the past few years have resulted in fewer bulky items but there were still thousands of cigarette butts, plastics in a variety of configurations and abandoned clothes. The cleanup started at 8am and the early group of cubs scored some treasures amongst the rubbish – $30 and an unopened bottle of wine!, perhaps the result of a ‘rave party’ the previous night.
The large group were ably assisted by Steve from National Parks who provided a marquee, table and chairs and ferried bags from collection points. Randwick Council provided additional bags and collected the rubbish piled in Cann Park.
(Photos top left-bottom right: Kensington cubs getting ready; early starters at Little Congwong; Fishcare and Scouting leader at work; rubbish bigger than the cubs; historic backdrop; early fishing and cleaning; moving the rubbish off Little Congwong; onto Big Congwong; Pathfinders)
What an excellent turn up for Clean Up Australia Day at La Perouse ! It’s great to see the photos of this beautiful beach area and to realise that so many people, especially children, were involved in cleaning both of the Congwong beaches. Little Congwong in particular is a terrific beach for children – sheltered and safe with clean water for swimming. Well done to all involved for organising the clean up and to those who worked hard on the day to make this beautiful area look even better.
Helen
Phillip Bay