The old saying, one man’s trash is another man’s treasurer certainly rang true following a massive clean-up of the Myall River river-bed  at Tea Gadens earlier this week, June 28.

A collection of bicycles, car tyres and glass bottles of varying shapes, sizes and ages were repatriated from their watery grave during the massive first time clean-up.

Gordon Grainger, from the Myall River Action Group believed many of the bottles would soon be adorning a collector’s shelf.

It was a remarkable effort by Forster diver, Suzanne Fieberg and her three companion divers who had to locate the majority of items by touch due to the poor visibility, Gordon said.

This gives us an incentive to have another clean-up next year, he said.

“This collection would not have eventuated without the help of our vibrant community groups and we were outnumbered by those residents who lined up to help and our many thanks go out to them.”

Gordon acknowledged the local Lions club, CTC and MidCoast Council for providing financial assistance.

He also thanked the Hawks Nest Surf Lifesavers, police and the Roads and Maritime service which who assured the safety aspects of the project.

“The Men’s shed lent muscle for the day.

The day would not have been a success without the help of the Boatshed providing the boats we used and our thanks go to Clarrie Davison for his generosity.

“Once again, the residents of Tea Gardens Hawks Nest have shown their determination in returning the Myall River to itspristine condition and on behalf of the Myall River Action Group, thank you all.

“We are proud to be one of you.”