A self-professed environment and sustainability nut, Wombat’s enthusiasm to protect the Shoalhaven led him to contact council with an offer to help spread the word about recycling.

“We need to engage people and get them excited,” the former contestant of The Block said.

“It’s up to everyone.”

Wombat will be spreading the message with educational videos and recycling tips and he will also launch council’s recycling pledge during Earth Hour on Saturday.

He hoped that if people made a pledge to take recycling seriously, the message to reduce waste would stick in the minds of young and old alike.

“If people make a pledge, it’s like making a promise,” he said.

“Hopefully down the track we get involved with primary schools.”

Discarded electronic waste or E-waste was one area of waste disposal he could see improving quickly.

He encouraged all residents of the Shoalhaven to sign up their friends and family, then act and learn how to recycle better.

“If they’re down at the shop and see the cashier using plastic, it will just tick in their brain, they can reduce waste in 2018,” he said.

Mayor Amanda Findley praised Wombat for his offer to help spread the message.

“Wombat’s offer of assistance is such a generous one how could Council refuse. It is a delight to work with him in spreading the word about recycling options, methods and tips and to be the face behind our recycling pledge,” Cr Findley said.

“Wombat has a great sense of humour but he takes this role seriously as it impacts the world we leave for future generations.

“Wombat has a great rapport with young and old alike and with him on board I think we will see great results in waste reduction and illegal dumping.”

To take the pledge, subscribe to the newsletter and keep updated with workshops, tips and handy hints visit council’s website at www/getinvolved.shoalhaven.nsw.gov.au/admin/projects/recycling.