Our local youth are leading the call for cleaner skate spaces, and they’ve helped shape a new campaign that backs it up.
As part of Youth Week 2025, we launched our new ‘Keep It Clean’ litter reduction campaign – an initiative designed with and for young people to foster pride in our local skate spaces and reduce litter in public places.
The campaign kicked off in collaboration with professional mentors, Nigel, Nixon, and Nakula from TOTEM Skateboarding, who brought their trademark energy, encouragement and respect –backing the message that skate culture and community pride can go hand in hand.
While rain disrupted Saturday’s launch at Town Beach Skate Space, a few keen skaters still came by to meet the TOTEM crew and be the first to collect our campaign merch. A big thanks to Breakwall HQ for offering cover from the rain and getting behind the message!
The weather cleared on Sunday for a full day of skating at Lake Cathie Skate Space, with almost 60 young people joining in and a steady flow of friends, family and community members stopping by to support the event, watch the jam, and join in the campaign launch.
The whole day had a positive, open, and supportive feel. Skaters were encouraging each other, giving things a go, and enjoying the chance to connect.
TOTEM helped set the tone, creating space for everyone to feel comfortable, have a chat, and be part of something positive.
It was also a great reminder of the local talent we have and the pride so many young people take in our public spaces and our local community.
“What was cool about today - everyone coming together and backing each other. You don’t always get that. And everyone wearing the shirt… when you see the pros wear it, it makes it cool.”
We’re still in the early days of the Keep It Clean campaign, but this first event showed just how much potential there is when we work alongside our young people – not just to reduce litter, but to build stronger connections and shared respect for the spaces we all use.
Thanks to everyone who came along, had a go, started a conversation, or simply showed up to support. And a big thank you to TOTEM Skateboarding for bringing the good vibes, expert mentoring, and helping make the day such a success.
We all have a role to play in keeping our shared spaces safe, welcoming and well looked after. To learn more about why litter matters and what you can do to help, visit our litter page.
This event was proudly supported by the NSW Government and Port Macquarie Hastings Council as part of Youth Week celebrations, with additional funding provided through Council’s Waste Education program.
