BeachPatrol

3193Ricketts Point

3193 BeachPatrol is based at the unique Ricketts Point Marine Sanctuary, Beaumaris, which was established by the Victorian Government in November 2002.

We meet on the first Saturday of the month at 10 am at the Ricketts Point Teahouse, Beach Road, Beaumaris. We are also hoping to soon establish a group during the middle of the week. In addition, members often do their own individual clean-ups.

We operate under the auspices of both Marine Care Ricketts Point (www.marinecare.org.au), a not-for-profit group which works with Parks Victoria to protect the Sanctuary, and BeachPatrol Australia. People who join 3193BeachPatrol Ricketts Point are also encouraged to join Marine Care Ricketts Point.

Over the nearly 12 years of its existence, the variety of marine, bird and indigenous plant life has increased dramatically at the Sanctuary. It is increasingly becoming a breeding ground for numerous fish and marine life not seen in the Bay for years. As a marine sanctuary, all marine animals and plant life are protected and may not be caught or removed from the Sanctuary.

Ricketts Point also features in paintings by a number of famous Australian artists, including Tom Roberts and Fredrick McCubbin. It is still used as a haunt by artists today.

3193 Beach Patrol Ricketts Point is a friendly, open group which welcomes people from all over Melbourne, of all backgrounds and ages, including those with children, to get involved.

We are passionate about protecting the Sanctuary environment. Removal of litter on the beach and foreshore is a key protection activity. This litter, including plastic, can slowly kill marine creatures as it is consumed mistakenly as food, or wraps around their fins, throats and legs.

Ricketts Point has a shallow swimming beach, making it ideal for very young swimmers, rock pools, as well as reefs which make it popular with snorkelers.