sgr

Leigh Wharf and Harbour Clean-up: A Community's Remarkable Effort

In a spontaneous burst of community spirit, Goat Island Dive & Snorkel spearheaded the Leigh Wharf and Harbour clean-up, rallying volunteers from all corners. With only a week's notice, their passionate staff mobilized resources, secured sponsors, and brought together a diverse group of individuals united by a common cause: to restore the beauty of their beloved Moana.

With just seven days to prepare, Goat Island Dive & Snorkel wasted no time. They extended invitations far and wide, urging people to join hands in this crucial endeavor. Despite the short notice, the response was overwhelming, a testament to the community's dedication to preserving their marine environment.

Generous Support and Exciting Prizes. The clean-up wouldn't have been possible without the support of generous sponsors like

Mares
SSI
Blue Ocean
less waste
Sculptureum
Goat Island Dive & Snorkel
Glass Bottom Boat

Leigh Eats
Ti point reptile Park
Marine Deals
Sawmill Brewery
Whangateau Holiday Park
Clearyak
New World

Their contributions, totaling over $3000 in prizes, served as a fitting reward for the volunteers' hard work and dedication. From categories like "biggest piece of rubbish found" to "weirdest piece of rubbish found," there was something for everyone to strive for.

A Surprising Array of Debris: As the volunteers combed through the wharf and harbour, they encountered a startling variety of debris. From commonplace items like glass and beer cans to unexpected finds like skateboards and even a surfboard, each discovery painted a vivid picture of human impact on the marine ecosystem.

A Commitment to Recycling: Rather than simply disposing of the collected rubbish in landfills, Goat Island Dive & Snorkel partnered with Less Waste in Snells Beach to implement an ambitious recycling initiative. With donated bins and a dedicated sorting effort, they aimed to minimize waste and maximize recycling, highlighting the importance of responsible waste management.

Empowering the Next Generation: Beyond cleaning up the harbour, the event sought to educate and inspire the next generation. By involving children in the process and demonstrating the consequences of marine pollution, the organizers hoped to instill a sense of responsibility and stewardship towards the environment.

A Unified Effort: On the day of the clean-up, the community came together in full force. With 27 divers, 15 snorkelers/freedivers, and numerous volunteers on land, it was a collective effort of remarkable scale. Goat Island Dive & Snorkel provided essential equipment and safety measures, ensuring a safe and productive clean-up operation.

The Leigh Wharf and Harbour clean-up was more than just a one-day event; it was a testament to the power of community action and environmental stewardship. Through their tireless efforts, the volunteers demonstrated that positive change is possible, even in the face of daunting challenges. As the debris was sorted, recycled, and repurposed, it symbolized not only a cleaner harbour but also a brighter future for generations to come.

Thank you to all volunteers and sponsors! and for an incredibly fun day! See pictures and a video below :)