Don the tools to help clean up

GRASSROOTS networks, clubs, organisations and residents have the opportunity to lend a hand on the 36th Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday 1 March by nominating a site they’re willing to clear rubbish from within Greater Bendigo.

The annual activation has become considered as a golden chance for people to come together, meet their neighbours and other members of the community while they help clean up nearby parks and waterways.

City of Greater Bendigo presentation and assets director Brian Westley said the day is the largest ongoing community participation event in the country with tens of thousands of Australians in cities and towns taking part each year.

“Clean Up Australia Day provides an opportunity for people of all ages to work together to help enhance our local community and our local environment and I encourage local groups and individuals to get involved,” he said.

“Many environmentally important local areas benefit greatly each year, (with) local waterways, bush reserves and recreation areas targeted and loads of rubbish collected and taken away.”

Since its inception in 1990, over 23 million volunteers have joined the Clean Up effort.

In 2025, for example, over 800,000 people volunteered across 8000 events nationally during the campaign period.

“Our nation’s litter disposal and recycling challenges are continuously shifting, but the one thing we know for certain is that too much litter is still making its way into our streets, parks, bushlands and waterways,” said Pip Kiernan, chair of Clean Up Australia and the daughter of its founder, the late Ian Kiernan AO.

“Whether you’re…cleaning a creek or picking up litter in your local park, your efforts count.”

Volunteers on the day will receive a free kit containing gloves, bags and resources, with packs for individuals, families, community groups and schools available. Businesses are asked to pay a small fee.

Donations are welcome with 100 per cent of funds raised going directly to empowering Australians to take positive action for the environment. Register on the Clean Up Australia website.