Clean Up Australia Day - advice for flood-affected communities

For safety reasons, Sunday’s Clean Up Australia Day events have been cancelled or postponed in regions that have been impacted by floods.

 Our thoughts are with the communities impacted by the devastating floods that have taken lives and destroyed and damaged homes, infrastructure, animals and ​properties across QLD and NSW.

Events scheduled for Sunday 6 March have been cancelled or postponed in all regions (listed above) that have been impacted by floods. Clean Up Australia is currently liaising with councils in these flood-affected areas, offering to support their Clean Up efforts when waters subside and it is safe to do so.

The safety of our community is and must always be our top priority. It is important to remember that stagnant water could be contaminated, posing a health risk, while high winds always bring the danger of flying and falling debris.

Recognising that Australia's waste challenges go far beyond one day, we are hopeful Clean Up events can be postponed rather than cancelled where possible. Any areas affected by heavy rain and damaging winds will need attention when it is safe for volunteers to gather outdoors.

For those impacted by floods, before starting any clean up around your home, please check with your GP to see if you're up to date with your tetanus shot. To reduce the risk of infection and disease, remember to:

• regularly wash your hands
• wear protective clothing such as long-sleeve shirts, eye-wear, gloves, and rubber boots
• avoid contact with floodwater
• seek medical attention immediately if you are injured during the clean up process.

If you have any further questions about safely running a Clean Up Australia event, please get in touch with us - we're here to help!