Clean Up Australia Day hits its 25th birthday this year over which time volunteers have collected thousands of tonnes of rubbish across Australia.

Yass Valley Council Natural Resource and Sustainability Officer Kym Nixon says volunteers can join an existing site or create a new Clean Up site.

“There are seven sites across Yass Valley that anyone can join by registering online or simply turning up on the day,” Ms Nixon explained.

Sutton Site Coordinator Alan McNeill has been coordinating the Sutton site for several years and is aiming for an even higher number of participants in 2015.

“Last year was our best year to date with 28 adults and 5 kids and we hope to do even better this year. The day is a combined effort between Sutton Landcare Group and Sutton Community Association and like last year there will be scones, jam and cream – it’s a very social event,” Mr McNeill said.

Council’s Environmental Health Officer Sinead Hansen added that “unfortunately litter and rubbish is a reality and it does still accumulate but in my experience with Clean Up Australia Day, participating is very rewarding especially knowing that you’ve played a part in helping keep your area beautiful.”

Residents wanting to join in on the day can either register at www.cleanupaustraliaday.org.au or simply turn up at one of the Yass Valley Clean Up Australia Day meeting points:

-Bookham Cemetery Carpark, Chidowla Rd at 10am – 12noon.

-1174 Murrumbateman Rd at 9am–12noon.

-Sutton Village Hall at 9am–11.30am.

-Wallaroo/Hall at Spring Range Rd at 4pm–6pm.

-468 Wallaroo Rd at 9am-12noon.

-Yass Scout Hall at 10am–3pm.

-Riverbank Park Playground at 9am – 12 noon.

-Berinba, Binalong, Bowning and Yass public Schools (closed groups).

Yass Valley Council will be picking up the collected rubbish from each of the registered sites.

Yass Valley Council.