City of Canada Bay local Bill Wallbank has volunteered his time cleaning up France Bay for the last 50 years.
“Now part of the City of Canada Bay’s Love Your Place program, Bill Wallbank’s commitment to volunteering time to clean up the France Bay area is an inspiration to our community,” City of Canada Bay Mayor Angelo Tsirekas said.
“I moved to Cabarita in the early 70s and have lived in the same waterfront house ever since. The view of France Bay from my home has changed over time, but it still brings me joy every day,” Bill Wallbank said.
“I feel honoured to have the ability to take care of the local foreshore and do something that matters and adopting France Bay as part of Council’s Love Your Place program has provided extra resources to help,” Bill said.
“It’s fantastic to see Bill’s enthusiasm for our local environment has had an impact on others,” MayorTsirekas said.
He is often joined by his grandchildren and like-minded neighbours along France Bay. Bill’s daughter now organises Cabarita’s annual Clean Up Australia Day event.
“Although I’m concerned about the amount of plastic straws and cigarette butts I find, I’m glad the overall health of the river is improving,” Bill said.
Oysters are once again growing on wooden poles and rocks, and nearby large flocks of little cormorants feast on fish in the river.
“I would like to thank Bill for all his hard work caring for our foreshore over the years,” Mayor Tsirekas said.
“The City of Canada Bay is a leader in environmental best practice. We demonstrate a commitment to sustaining the environment through programs such as Love Your Place.”
“Our area is full of beautiful shared open spaces. I encourage our community to get involved with caring for our local area and join the Love Your Place program, just like Bill,” he said.
For more information visit canadabay.nsw.gov.au and search ‘Love Your Place’.
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