Last call for enviro-minded nominees

NOMINATIONS for national environmental organisation Clean Up Australia’s first-ever Community Awards will be closing next week.

People will have until midnight on Monday 30 September to nominate volunteers, community members, council, and schools across the region believed to have been exceptional in helping with the non-profit’s goal of ridding the country of waste.

The winners will be announced during next year’s Clean Up Australia Day event in March at a time and location to be decided.

Clean Up Australia chair Pip Kiernan said the awards honour those who’ve joined the organisation on their mission throughout the decades.

“Since Clean Up Australia began back in 1990, we have had over 22 million volunteers join us for clean ups,” she said.

“Our volunteers are not only vital in tackling our country’s litter challenges by cleaning up, but they also share their unique insights and concerns about the environment which helps us with other initiatives like education around litter prevention and waste.

“We are excited to celebrate their dedication and support for our organisation and the environment through the Clean Up Australia Community Awards, which we hope to become a special date on our calendar and that of our volunteers, community groups, schools, and council supporters each year.”

The accolades will consist of five categories, including the Individual Community Champion Award, the Group Community Champion Award, the Schools Sustained Environmental Award, and the Outstanding Council Award.

The awards’ top category will be the Ian Kiernan Impact Award, named after the organisation’s founder, which is aimed at highlighting a stand-out nominee across all the categories.

Groups including Rotary clubs, the City of Ballarat, and Girl Guides Ballarat, as well as independent volunteers, were part of the Clean Up Australia Day movement in 2024.

To nominate a group, organisation, or person for a respective award, visit Clean Up Australia’s website.