Clean Up Australia launches fresh merch in celebration of our 35th anniversary
In celebration of our 35th anniversary, renowned Australian artist Timothy Johnston has created a stunning new design for Clean Up Australia’s merchandise, in recognition of the organisation’s origins and ongoing commitment to the environment.
Johnston, whose remarkable ocean abstract images were projected onto the Sydney Opera House ‘Sails’ for World Ocean Day 2021, was elected as Clean Up Australia’s contributing artist thanks to his passion and love of Australia’s ocean and coastlines. Johnston created an inspiring visual in celebration of Clean Up Australia and our volunteer efforts removing litter from Australia’s beaches, parks, streets and waterways over 35 years.
The design, which features the iconic Sydney Harbour Bridge and Opera House, gives a nod to Clean Up Australia’s origins. Clean Up Australia was founded in 1989 by Ian Kiernan and commenced with an initial localised Clean Up on the crowning jewel of Sydney city: Sydney’s harbour.
That first year, an incredible 40,000 volunteers rallied to remove debris and bulky rubbish from the harbour. In 1990, Clean Up Australia became national, with volunteers from the tip of the Top End to the bottom of Tassie getting involved. Thirty-five years later, Clean Up Australia activities continue to take place all over the country, with 2025 set to become the year of our BIGGEST EVER Clean Up!
On his design, Johnston said: “My strong inspirations were the era in which Clean Up was born and the great surf brand t-shirts which were echoing the style of the time and Australia’s coastal lifestyle.
“Nineties t-shirt designs were full of neon colours.
“I wanted to hand-draw the hero, our beloved kookaburra which strongly symbolises a call-to-action, a go-get attitude and the Aussie fun and laughter we bring around initiatives that are close to our heart.”
The image evokes the vibrant feeling of the Clean Up community united in action and voice and celebrates Ian Kiernan’s love of sailing through an internationally recognisable image of the harbour. Johnston’s visual design features on the Clean Up Australia tote-bag and reusable water bottle which are now
available for purchase. Our totes, water bottles and t-shirts were fulfilled by Lucke, an ethical clothing company with a focus on sustainability and minimising environmental impact. Lucke believes in clothing as a force for positive change.
Clean Up Australia’s merchandise is packed by our friends at the Windgap Warehouse, an Australian Disability Enterprise which employs adults with disabilities between the ages of 18 and 65. The Windgap School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program provides young adults with job skills training to assist them in gaining employment. The School Leavers team are enjoying picking and packing Clean Up Australia’s new merchandise and sending it off to volunteers nationwide. 
SLES Team Leader Louise Holt said: “We like to provide a variety of work-based experiences so the participants can find what jobs most interest them. We are thankful to Clean Up Australia for providing meaningful work for our participants to learn new skills in a warehouse operation.”
All merchandise sales help to fund Clean Up Australia’s activities and the free Clean Up materials which we provide for school and community Clean Up events.
There’s still time to
register
for Clean Up Australia Day on Sunday, 2 March. Join the movement, get involved – and don’t forget to grab some iconic
merch
while you’re at it and Clean Up in style!
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Inspire your family and friends to make a change by sharing your pledge and tagging @CleanUpAustralia #CleanUpAustralia
Clean Up Australia acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.