It is turtle nesting season, and as the first hatchlings begin their journey from the sandy nests, it’s time for the community to step up and help protect these tiny creatures.

The Sunshine Coast Council invites 4551 locals to participate in the 11th annual Clean Up for the Hatchlings event on Saturday, February 1, 2025, at various beaches across the community – including Currimundi – Ballinger Beach, Dicky Beach, Moffat Beach, and Shelly Beach.

This initiative provides residents with the opportunity to make a positive impact on preserving the local turtle population.

Sunshine Coast Council’s Environment and Liveability Portfolio Councillor, Tim Burns, emphasised the importance of the event, calling it a “wonderful opportunity” for the community to contribute to the protection of local turtle hatchlings.

“We are a turtle-friendly community on the Sunshine Coast, and this event gives us a chance to give these little guys the best start in life,” Cr Burns said.

So far, the Sunshine Coast has had approximately 30 turtle nests this nesting season.

By cleaning up our beaches, volunteers are helping ensure the hatchlings can safely make their way to the sea without the threat of debris in their path.

How to Participate:

Volunteers are invited to register online for the beach clean-up, which starts at 6 am.

Simply search ‘Clean Up for the Hatchlings’ at events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au to find your nearest beach location.

Following the clean-up, participants can enjoy a free barbecue, interactive displays, and fun activities at Coopers Lookout Park, located south of the Kawana Surf Club.

The event will also feature a marine debris weigh-in to showcase the collective efforts in protecting the environment.

This will be a single-use plastic-free event, so participants are encouraged to bring their own reusable water bottle, coffee cup, gloves, and sun protection.

Event Details:

• Date: Saturday, February 1, 2025
• Time: 6:00 am beach clean-up; 8:00 am to 10:00 am thank-you event
• Locations: Various beaches from Noosa to Caloundra

Event Schedule:

• 6:00 am – 7:30 am: Beach clean-up at various locations (pre-registration required at events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au)
• 8:00 am – 10:00 am: Thank-you event at Coopers Lookout Park, Pacific Blvd, Buddina. Activities include:
  • Free BBQ for clean-up participants
  • Kids’ activities corner
  • Educational stalls
  • Presentations and talks

What to Bring:

• Sun-safe clothing, including a hat and appropriate footwear
• Reusable items (e.g., water bottle, coffee cup, gloves)

What’s Provided:

• Volunteer site coordinators to assist with registration and safety tips at each clean-up site
• Reusable gloves and clean-up bags for use at all sites
• Free BBQ, inspiring guest speakers, engaging displays, and fun children’s activities at the thank-you celebration

For more details and to register for your chosen beach clean-up location, visit events.sunshinecoast.qld.gov.au and search ‘Clean Up for the Hatchlings.’