The Rise and Shine clean up-program celebrates its 40th year, reflecting on the program’s environmental initiatives and the residents who have help kept it going.
Key points:
- Rise and Shine is Council’s longest running volunteer program, marking 2026 as its 40th year in service.
- It began in 1986 as a pollution prevention and clean program to help beautify Wollongong and instil civic pride.
- An exhibition is on show at Botanic Garden until 5 September, reflecting on four decades of the program.
- Locals are encouraged to volunteer for 2026, with clean-ups happening across the next three months.
Our longest-running volunteer program, Rise and Shine, has officially entered its 40th year, continuing its commitment to a cleaner, greener city.
To celebrate this major milestone, Council launched the 2026 environmental clean-up program alongside a special curated exhibition at Wollongong Botanic Garden.
From newspaper clippings to archival photos, trophies and the much-loved Rise and Shine Trailer, the exhibition reflects on the growth of the program, and the incredible contributions made by Rise and Shine volunteers across Wollongong.
“On behalf of our community, I’d like to congratulate the Rise and Shine volunteer program on its 40 years of service,” Lord Mayor of Wollongong Councillor Tania Brown.
“The longevity of Rise and Shine is a testament to the passion of these volunteers who take care and protect our natural environment. It’s truly an inspiration, with every helping hand making a difference.
“Council is committed to working with our residents, and we appreciate that every year, through this program, residents are spending some time with us to remove large amounts of waste from our bushland, creeks, beaches and foreshore areas. It’s a really positive example of working collaboratively to protect and improve our local environment.”
The program began in 1986, starting out as a pollution prevention and clean program to help beautify Wollongong and instil civic pride.
Over the next four decades, Rise and Shine evolved to look at environmental sustainability holistically and partook in various initiatives like Street of the Week, weekly column in the local newspaper and environmental school programs covering waster, water, energy efficiency, biodiversity and food gardening.
Today, its regular annual program features spring cleanups as well as Clean Up Australia Day. In 2025, the program collected 44.58 tonnes of waste from our natural areas and there were 99 community volunteer events held with 1436 volunteers participating in cleanup activities.
Council also holds an Environmental Awards night each year to celebrate volunteers, dating back to 1988, with the top trophy named after the stellar volunteer Basil Ryan in recognition of his incredible effort to collect 110 bags of rubbish from a Keiraville Creek.
Image: A snippet of the exhibition now open to the public until 5 September.
This clean-up was aided by a home-made ‘flying fox’ of ropes and pulleys and was no mean feat at the age of 72, with the Herculean effort epitomising the spirit of “Rise and Shine.
“I look forward to seeing Rise and Shine continue their legacy of bringing communities together to help clean and green Wollongong,” Cr Brown said.
“I encourage residents to check out the Rise and Shine program and see how they can contribute to cleaning up Wollongong. You can join an existing group, or you can start your own.
“Why not make great friends while you help keep our city beautiful for people and wildlife, now and in the future.”
The 40th year exhibition is now open to the public every day from 9am to 2pm, until the Nature Shake Community Day on 5 September 2026. It is located at the Education Centre in Wollongong Botanic Garden, located near the Madoline Street entrance to the gardens.
To get involved in Rise and Shine, why not join the annual Spring Cleanup held during September, October and November. The next community clean-up is at Bellambi Lagoon on 28 August.
You can also register yourself or your group as Local Litter Legends and you will receive a cleanup kit and support from council disposing of any waste collected.
