Dedicated local volunteers and three visiting Argentine backpackers have taken it upon themselves to clean up multiple bags of rubbish carelessly left strewn across the Avalon beach dunes.
A Recurring Mess
The problem became particularly noticeable just before and during the recent winter school holidays. A group of young surfers had carried a table and chair into the dunes north of the Avalon surf club, creating a scenic hangout spot. While a great use of the outdoors, the area was unfortunately left in a mess, with rubbish accumulating over the holiday period.
Witnesses saw the three backpackers take it upon themselves to clear the area, carrying numerous bags of waste to the bins provided at the beach. Their actions highlighted the ongoing efforts of many locals who have been quietly cleaning up trashed community spots for years. People like Corey Kirk have been seen regularly cleaning the Avalon Beach dunes over a long period. This community spirit extends to other local areas, including Careel Creek and various lookouts around Bilgola and Palm Beach.
Damage and Disappointment
The issue is not confined to Avalon. Joe Mills, who voluntarily cleans Turimetta beach, reported extra work was needed after weekend parties during the same school holidays. He expressed his disappointment after spending several mornings picking up the aftermath of fires and drinking sessions.
He described one particularly bad morning where discarded cans and bottles were scattered over a 50-metre area. An emergency rescue surfboard had been taken from its rack and used as a seat very close to a fire, causing damage. Mills noted that those responsible often fail to return the board or clean up their rubbish, leaving the beach littered with charcoal and waste. This has raised concerns among residents about the need for better management of these natural reserves.
Searching for a Cause
The recurring issue has led many to question why these beautiful spots are not being looked after by the same people who enjoy them. The conversation has shifted towards the underlying reasons for this behaviour.
One long-time resident suggested that a lack of local, affordable, and engaging activities for teenagers could be a contributing factor. A look at school holiday programs often shows plenty of options for younger children but very few for those in their late teens. With limited places to go, especially at night, parks and dunes become default social hubs. The community is now exploring ideas, from installing more bins to creating better messaging about respecting shared spaces, and ultimately, providing more positive outlets for its young adults. The core belief shared by volunteers is that the greatest threat is thinking someone else will solve the problem.
Published Date 14-October-2025
