Ararat Rural City Council is calling for volunteers to help tidy up their patch of the country by taking part in Clean Up Australia Day on March 1.

Chief executive Tim Harrison said the council, through its Parks and Gardens team, co-ordinated annual Clean Up Australia Day efforts.

He said the team was passionate about providing a clean, natural environment for the community to enjoy. He said the council supplied gloves and rubbish bags for volunteers, who could register from 8am at Ararat and Grampians Visitor Information Centre, 91 High Street in Ararat.

The clean-up effort will finish about noon.

“Clean Up Australia Day is a great Aussie tradition and we encourage anyone interested to come along and give the council a hand to clean up Ararat and surrounds,” Dr Harrison said.

“Volunteers return the collected bags of rubbish to the visitor centre so the council can sort and dispose of those at our transfer station.”

He urged residents keen to take part to wear sturdy footwear, sun protection such as long sleeves, hats and sunglasses and sunscreen, and bring water and snacks.

Volunteers can register any time after 8am with the last rubbish collection happening at noon at the visitor centre.