Ms JODIE HARRISON (Charlestown)—I would like to acknowledge Warners Bay High School for stepping up to address the growing problem of disposable face masks ending up in our environment.

Over the last two years, masks have become an inescapable part of everyday life—and while they have no doubt kept many safe from COVID-19, they can become serious environmental hazards if not disposed of properly!

As many as 1.6 billion of the estimated 52 billion disposable face masks produced in 2020 ended up in the world's oceans. It will take until the late 25th century for them to biodegrade!

This is a worldwide issue, but Warners Bay High is taking a lead in addressing the issue in the Charlestown electorate, acting locally while thinking globally. Partnering with TerraCycle Australia, the Warners Bay Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group and the Munibung Hill Conservation Society, Warners Bay High has set up boxes for the safe disposal of uncontaminated face masks.

My thanks to principal Marcus Neale, his staff and the entire school community at Warners Bay High, as well as the Warners Bay Area Sustainable Neighbourhood Group and the Munibung Hill Conservation Society. Great work!

A Community Recognition Notice is an opportunity for an MP to submit a short statement praising the work of an individual or group in the local community. If you have any ideas about people I can recognise with a Community Recognition Notice, please email and let me know!