Clean Up Peninsula

In 1989 an 'average Australian bloke' had a simple idea to make a difference in his own backyard - Sydney Harbour.

This simple idea has now become the nation's largest community-based environmental event, Clean Up Australia Day.

It is hard to believe that this campaign began as the inspiration of one man, Australian builder and solo yachtsman, Ian Kiernan. As an avid sailor, Ian had always dreamed about sailing around the world. In 1987 his dream came true when he competed in the BOC Challenge solo around-the-world yacht race.

As he sailed through the oceans of the world in his yacht 'Spirit of Sydney' he was shocked and disgusted by the pollution and rubbish that he continually encountered in areas such as the Sargasso Sea in the Caribbean.

Having waited years to see the Sargasso's legendary long golden weeds, Ian's excited anticipation turned to anger and disappointment when he found them polluted and tangled with rubbish.

The polluted state of the world's oceans motivated Ian to act.

Once back in Sydney Ian organised a community event with the support of a committee of friends, including Clean Up co founder Kim McKay AO - Clean Up Sydney Harbour.

What happened after this is now well documented.

When

Location

All around the Shire, 217 Swanston Street, Melbourne, 3000, View Map