Community clean ups

Two community members picking up rubbish together in a park

Looking to make a difference? A clean-up is a great way to help your local environment.  

Clean Up Australia Day

Join Australia's biggest clean-up!

Clean Up Australia Day is an annual event that inspires the community to come together and remove litter from the local environment. 

More than 22 million people have participated in Clean Up Australia activities and events over the past three decades.

The next Clean Up Australia Day is Sunday, 1 March 2026.

Visit Clean Up Australia's website to learn more.

Hobsons Bay's impact 

We support our community to take part in Clean Up Australia Day each year. In 2025 alone, 31 community groups hosted clean-up events. This included community groups, schools, business and residents of all ages - one group had residents ranging in age from 1 to 90 years old! Many of these committed groups return year after year to help the environment. 

"The experience was incredibly rewarding on both a personal and communal level. Not only did it allow us to make a positive impact on the environment, but it also provided an opportunity to connect with fellow volunteers who share a passion for sustainability and community involvement.” – Local Clean Up Australia Day participant

School clean-ups

A school clean-up is a great way to inspire your students to learn about the impact of rubbish on their local environment while playing an active role in their school.

The next School Clean Up Day is Friday, 27 February 2026. Visit Clean Up Australia's website to learn more.

You can also access a range curriculum-aligned lesson plans through Clean Up Australia.

Year-round 

The biggest clean-up event on the calendar is Clean Up Australia Day, but there are many community groups, organisations and families that come together to clean up their local parks, gardens and beaches year-round. 

Planning a clean-up, but not sure how to get started? Check out our clean-up guide below!   

Choose a site

Go where you know! 

Choose a local space that you’re passionate about. You don’t have to go far, it can be the path you take to school, the playground next door, or the park where you walk your dog. Our parks & reserves map can give you some ideas. 

When choosing a site, there’s a few things to keep in mind:  

  • Be aware of safety hazards 

  • Consider the accessibility needs of your group 

  • Sites with heavy foot traffic are likely to have more litter  

Want to clean up in a conservation reserve? Get in touch with the associated group below to find out when the next planned event is. 

Reserve  Group 
Newport Lakes

Friends of Newport Lakes
Rifle Range Reserve &
Paisley Challis Wetland

Friends of Williamstown Wetlands
Kororoit Creek Reserve     

Friends of Lower Kororoit Creek

Sandy Point Reserve &
Newport Riverside Spit

Friends of Greenwich Bay
 
 

 

Register

All clean up events in Hobsons Bay must be registered with Clean Up Australia. This is for the safety of our community and environment. Register here. 

Events registered with Clean Up Australia are covered by their public liability insurance, and can access clean-up kits.  
 

 

Stay safe

Be aware of the safety risks involved before your event.  

You can read Clean Up Australia’s safety guide here.   

Some risks to be aware of include:  

  • Snakes during warmer months

  • Swooping birds during spring and summer 

  • Extreme weather  

  • Spiny plants  

  • Water bodies  

  • Busy roads  

 

Protect the environment

Hobsons Bay is home to many plants and animals, including threatened and endangered species. Some of these are small and hard to spot.  

When conducting a clean up in any natural areas, please follow signs and stick to marked tracks and recreation areas.  
 
Wandering off track can damage sensitive vegetation and disturb nesting and resting fauna.  
 

 

Dispose of rubbish

You’ve filled your bag or bucket with all sorts of rubbish along the way… now what? 
 
Own disposal: This option works best for schools and businesses who have access to their own waste services, or for groups who wish to sort or audit their findings.  

Public bins: There are public rubbish, recycling and glass bins throughout Hobsons Bay. Small clean up groups can dispose of their rubbish onsite by using these bins.  

Book Council bins: Council can provide bins for a limited number of large-scale clean ups throughout the year. If your event will have 20+ attendees, please email enviro@hobsonsbay.vic.gov.au to discuss your options.  

Container deposit scheme: Eligible bottles and cans can be taken to your closest Container Deposit Scheme collection point. Keep the funds raised or donate them to a local organisation!  

 

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