One of the Combined Hunter Underwater Group's divers last Clean Up Australia Day, 2012.
OUR blue backyard will be the focus of one volunteer group this Clean Up Australia Day.
Newly-formed Combined Hunter Underwater Group will dive for debris at Swansea Channel on Saturday, the eve of Clean Up Australia Day.
The trained group of divers from Newcastle Baths, Port Stephens, Swansea Channel and Catherine Hill Bay will start with a clean up on shore, followed by a dive to collect rubbish along the submerged channel walls.
Members of the public can also get involved in the clean up onshore or snorkel with the group.
The group chose to dive at Swansea Channel because of its high usage and it is a hot spot for discarded fishing line.
In the past, divers have collected bottles, cans, plastic bags, and more unusual items such as car batteries, needles and soiled nappies.
Combined Hunter Underwater Group spokeswoman Margo Smith said people often did not make the connection that their litter would make its way into local lakes and oceans.
■ Clean Up Australia Day is this Sunday. Go to cleanupaustraliaday.org.au to find your local clean up group.