A surf film night, supported by the Surfrider Foundation and Tim Bonython will be held for one night only at Avoca Beach Theatre, 5.30pm Sunday 20 June.

The surf film night is a fundraiser for ‘Take 3' and the Surfrider Foundation to support their ongoing work for conservation, action, regeneration and education for the ocean, beaches and estuaries.

A short piece from local film director, Tim Silverwood, will screen first introducing the concept of marine environment group ‘Take 3'. This will be followed by Slab Hunters Session 2, a 90 min surf film by Tim Bonython. Sessions 2 takes us on a journey to witness the most amazing surfing that Australia has to offer and exposes us to some of Australia's most fearless surfers taking on what we mortals would think as pure craziness.

‘Take 3' is about encouraging the surf community to be pro-actively involved in removing marine debris from their ocean playground. The aim of the program is not only to achieve cleaner beaches through monthly ‘Clean-up Our Beach' days but to raise levels of environmental awareness, particularly among the eleven to twenty year olds.

Piloting the new ‘Take 3'initiative are surf coach Mandy Marechal and marine biologist Roberta Dixon-Valk.

"Many of us couldn't imagine life without surfing and the privilege of being in the ocean so close to nature and everything it has to offer. We have a responsibility to care and if we don't make an effort the problems with marine debris are only going to worsen," said Ms Marechal.

Plastic is the most prevalent type of debris found on beaches world wide, comprising between 50-90% of all debris items recorded. Plastic and plastic particles in our ocean are killing approximately 1 million seabirds and 100,000 marine mammals each year - not to mention the myriad of other marine animals, such as sea turtles and fish, for which there is no accurate estimate.

"It is generally believed 80% of marine plastic is initially discarded on land and is blown, rolled or washed out to sea via our rivers, streams and storm water drains. Surfers are the frontline, however everyone is responsible for keeping our beaches and ocean clean", said Ms Dixon-Valk.

An RM custom shaped surfboard is up for grabs along with other prizes and there will nibbles beforehand.

Tickets will be sold at local surf shops and at Avoca Beach Theatre for $16.50. Bookings can be made online or through the box office. Ph 4382 1677

Enquiries: Amanda Marechal 0438 857 263