Don’t let the lupins win: roll up your sleeves and come down and help with the annual lakeside clean-up in Cromwell this Saturday (September 17).

The annual clean-up (now in its twelfth year) has been organised by the Lake Dunstan Charitable Trust since 2010.

“We are so lucky to have passionate, dedicated groups committed to volunteering each year,” trust community connector Megan Phillips said.

“And we are extremely grateful to the Central Otago District Council (CODC), for waiving all charges at the transfer station.” 

Last year, a staggering 15 trailer loads of weeds (mainly lupins), and two trailers of rubbish were removed, vastly improving access for swimmers, picnickers, boaties, and encouraging native plants to thrive. 

The 2021 clean-up

The rubbish collected included the usual suspects: plastic, glass bottles and more worryingly, metal and tyres – all hazardous to humans and animals.

Community groups will work between Richard Beach to McNulty Inlet (join in anywhere), to remove rubbish, weeds, and fallen branches during the clean-up, which runs from 9am till midday.

Join in the good (clean) fun on Saturday and bring with you appropriate clothing (dress for weather on the day; no open-toed shoes); water and snacks; gloves; buckets, tubs or reusable bags (please avoid single use plastics if possible).

The registration point is at Butcher Drive. Find more information here.