Scouts WA plays a major role in keeping Rottnest Island beautiful, and on the third weekend of May each year up to 500 of them descend on the Island to take part in the annual “Rottnest Invasion,” a two day litter collecting and environmental blitz.
The Scouts have enjoyed a close working relationship with the Island for some eleven years, following an initial approach by the Rottnest Island Authority's (RIA) Environment Staff who identified the opportunity to work together on cleaning up Rottnest.
The first “Rottnest Invasion” was an incredible event with some 800 Scouts and Leaders in attendance, uncovering all sorts of items ranging from drink cans and bottles to beds, mattresses and building products.
Island residents assisted with the clean up, and the inaugural event was deemed a great success for both the Scouts and the RIA, and subsequent Rottnest Invasions have taken place on all parts of the Island from beaches to the rubbish tip site and the shores of the salt lakes.
In recent years, the “Rottnest Invasion” has also taken on different tasks - with a clearer public awareness about appropriate rubbish disposal, the focus of the event is now also on weeding the rainwater catchment area. Other projects include removing onion weed from the golf course and working on the Island's outer areas to erect fencing and plant trees.
But it's not all work and no play - while Scouts are off-duty activities such as bike hikes, scavenger hunts, sand sculpting and fishing take place!
For more information on Scouts WA click here for their website.
