Just over 20 enthusiastic volunteers gathered on a pleasant Sunday morning for this year’s Clean Up Australia Day, proudly representing Narrandera Landcare Group.

Donning their hi-vis vests and gloves, the group spread across several identified sites around Narrandera, working together to tidy roadsides, camping areas and popular spots near local waterways.

By late morning, the results were clear.

Volunteers filled bags and trailers with rubbish, with an impressive seven trailer loads transported to the Narrandera tip.

Thanks to their efforts, many well-used community spaces are now looking much cleaner and more inviting.

Clean Up Australia Day, organised nationally by Clean Up Australia, began more than 30 years ago to encourage everyday Australians to take practical action in caring for the environment.

Over the years, it has grown into one of the country’s largest community-based environmental events.

Narrandera Landcare has proudly supported the initiative since its early days, recognising the importance of local action in protecting natural places.

Looking after our environment is vital for many reasons.

Clean and healthy landscapes support wildlife, improve water quality, and make our town more enjoyable for residents and visitors alike.

Removing rubbish also prevents pollution from entering rivers and waterways, helping protect both ecosystems and the health of the community.

After a productive morning’s work, volunteers enjoyed a relaxing and well-deserved morning tea at the Community Food Garden located at the Showgrounds.

The gathering provided a wonderful opportunity to sit back, share stories from the clean up and enjoy each other’s company.

The Community Food Garden welcomes new volunteers, with locals invited to get involved any Saturday morning.

Activities include veggie growing, native seedling propagation and general garden tending.

Working alongside like-minded community members is a wonderful feature of getting involved, with friendships and skills growing alongside the produce.

The group would like to sincerely thank everyone who was able to attend on the day, as well as the many community members who regularly pick up litter in their daily lives.

These small, consistent efforts make a real difference.

Residents are reminded that if they come across illegal dumping, they can report it through RID Online (Report Illegal Dumping) via their website or app. Alternatively, large or unsafe amounts of dumped rubbish can be reported directly to Narrandera Shire Council.

Chairperson Peter Beale said the turnout for this year’s clean up was very pleasing.

He thanked everyone for their time and efforts and encouraged anyone interested in caring for the local environment to get involved.

Landcare meetings are held at 5pm on the fourth Tuesday of each month at the Narrandera Ex-Servicemen's Club.

Community members are also invited to stay up to date and support local activities by following Narrandera Landcare Group on Facebook.

All enquiries for Narrandera Landcare Group can be directed to narranderalandcare@gmail.com or via messenger.

Together, the people of Narrandera continue to show that a cleaner, healthier environment starts with local action and community pride.