Community Cleans up Coastline with over 300kg of Rubbish Removed
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.
Coral Sea Marina Cluean Up Australia Day 2026 Volunteers
Eco Barge Turtle Release on Clean Up Australia Day 2026
Coral Sea Marina Clean Up Australia Day 2026
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 and Whitsunday Sailing Club Clean Up Australia Day 2026
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.
About Coral Sea Marina
Coral Sea Marina is an award-winning 520 wet berth marina located in the heart of the Whitsundays and Great Barrier Reef. As the first 5 Gold Anchor Platinum accredited marina in Queensland, Coral Sea Marina offers premium marina facilities and a range of concierge services for vessels up to 80m.
Coral Sea Marina is part of Coral Sea Marina Resort, a tourist destination that also includes a 77-room waterfront boutique resort, two vibrant marina villages, an inspiring calendar of events and is home to 80% of the region’s on-water tourism products, making Coral Sea Marina Resort the ultimate place to stay, play, explore the Whitsundays.
About Eco Barge Clean Seas
Eco Barge Clean Seas Inc. is a not-for-profit environmental organisation based in the Whitsundays, dedicated to protecting the region’s marine ecosystems through the prevention and removal of marine debris. Established in 2009, the organisation operates marine clean-up vessels to collect rubbish from islands, reefs and remote coastal areas throughout the Whitsunday region.
Eco Barge also delivers community education programs focused on marine conservation and operates the Whitsunday Turtle Rescue Centre, providing rescue and rehabilitation for sick and injured sea turtles. Through hands-on action and community engagement, Eco Barge plays a vital role in preserving the health and beauty of the Great Barrier Reef.
