The recent Clean up Australia Day saw a fleet of 4WDs converge in the popular Olney State Forests to remove a staggering eight tonnes of illegally dumped rubbish.

The event was organised by the Hunter Region 4WD Council, with volunteers from six of the 4WD clubs affiliated with the peak user group, Four Wheel Drive NSW & ACT, participating in the Clean Up Australia Day event.

The Regional Illegal Dumping (RID) Squads, Lake Macquarie City Council and Forestry Corporation supported the day and are grateful for the volunteers’ efforts, said Forestry Corporation Partnerships Leader, Michael Hill.

“We really appreciate everyone’s support over Clean Up Australia Day, particularly volunteers from Port Hunter 4WD Club, Hornsby-Kuring-gai 4WD Club, Land Rover Owners Club Sydney, Gold Eagles 4WD Club, Newcastle & District 4WD Club and Central Coast 4WD Club,” Mr Hill said.

This was the sixth Clean Up Australia Event organised by the Hunter Region 4WD Council, said organiser, Noel Skimmings.

“All up we saw 50 volunteers from the seven clubs join forces to make a huge improvement to our natural environment.”

The rubbish removed from the forest included over eight tonnes of mixed waste, 1.6 tonnes of scrap steel (separated and recycled) and around 150 tyres.

“With good weather and a fantastic crew of volunteers, we have had our most successful Clean up day to date; thanks to the many hands who made this possible,” Mr Skimmings said.

The event also saw RID Squads on site to support the local effort. RID Squads are regionally based teams that specialise in combating and preventing illegal dumping.

The RID Squad is a joint program between local councils and the NSW EPA, funded by the waste levy.

“We’re really pleased with the results from Clean Up Australia Day, and ask for everyone’s help in keeping these areas free from rubbish by reporting details of any illegal dumping they witness or discover,” Mr Hill said.

"If you see dumping or find any illegally dumped material, please report it to the Report Illegal Dumping Line on 131 555 or ridonline.epa.nsw.gov.au.”

Media contact: Rod Campbell 0428 058 549