The free event, presented by Hunter Local Land Services (LLS) and Greater Taree City Council, will take place from 6.45-9pm on Thursday, November 6 at Old Bar Public School.

It will explore the impact of marine debris on our local coastline and how we can help to reduce this problem.

The event will include a screening of the award winning environmental documentary, 'Bag It' - a witty and thought provoking look at our increasing dependence on plastic.

Suitable for all ages, the film follows 'everyman' Jeb Berrier as he tries to make sense of our dependence on plastic bags. Although his quest starts out small, Jeb soon learns that the problem extends past landfills to our waterways and catchments.

After the screening, Heidi Taylor, managing director of Tangaroa Blue Foundation, a registered charity focused on the health of our marine environment, will talk about practical solutions to the marine debris peril. Heidi coordinates the Australian Marine Debris Initiative, an on-ground network of over 12,300 volunteers, community groups and agencies across Australia who are monitoring the impacts of marine debris along our coastlines.

"This is a great opportunity for local groups to find out about the tools and resources available to help remove debris and how to collect and input data into the Australian Marine Debris Database," Heidi said.

"The database can help us to identify the types and amounts of marine debris and litter that are impacting specific coastal sites, and can then be used to track those items back to the source."

Light refreshments will be provided. Bookings are not required.

This event is being coordinated by Hunter Local Land Services and Greater Taree City Council with funding from the Australian Government.

Visit www.lls.nsw.gov.au/hunter for more details about this and other Hunter LLS events.