Get involved Giving back makes you feel great, but also results in the improvement of your wider world. There’s no need to make a big commitment of time or money – never underestimate the power of small acts to make a difference. Pick up a bag of litter on your next swim adventure, lend a hand on a conservation project, or donate to a charity. The incredible places in this book continue to exist because of the foresight and tireless efforts of many individuals and groups. The pressures on our natural places are ever great, but doing your bit will help safeguard your favourite wild swimming spots for years to come. Here are the details of some Australian groups doing fantastic work:
National Parks and Wildlife Service manage and run the incredible national parks featured in this book. NPWS are helped in their work by over 6,500 volunteers every year.
The Australian Marine Conservation Society is our only national charity dedicated exclusively to protecting ocean wildlife and their homes.
www.environment.nsw.gov.au/ volunteers/VolunteerNationalPark.htm
Clean Up Australia Day is an annual day of action when thousands of tonnes of rubbish are picked up across Australia. Join an existing clean-up site or create your own – particularly if you know of a neglected swim location.
Colong Foundation campaigns for the preservation of natural environments, with particular emphasis on wilderness areas. www.colongwilderness.org.au
www.marineconservation.org.au
www.cleanup.org.au/au/CleanUpEvents
National Parks Association of NSW is a non-government conservation group that seeks to protect, connect and restore the integrity and diversity of natural systems.
Two Hands Project’s tagline – 30 Minutes and Two Hands to clean up YOUR world anytime, anywhere – makes it easy for anyone to participate.
www.npansw.org.au
www.twohandsproject.org
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