Clean Up Australia Day

Last Sunday, Cranbrook students and teachers put on gloves, grabbed rubbish bags, and took to the streets and parks to take part in Clean Up Australia Day. Across Sydney, thousands of volunteers joined forces to remove litter from public spaces, and our students were proud to be among them, making a tangible difference in our local environment. Students and teachers from every House teamed up for the initiative, focusing on areas around Vaucluse, Rose Bay, Bellevue Hill, Point Piper and Bondi Junction. 

Arriving at 8am, we were greeted by a lovely summer morning and plenty of sunrays to warm the skin. Armed with collecting bags, tongs, and plenty of enthusiasm, we set out to collect the waste left behind in our local areas.

As we walked together, the morning became more than just a clean-up effort. It became a chance to connect with each other outside of the classroom. Conversations flowed as we worked, with students and teachers chatting about everything from weekend plans to school life. There was something refreshing about spending a Sunday morning outdoors, walking and talking while making a meaningful contribution to the community.

One of the biggest surprises of the day was the sheer number of cigarette butts we picked up. Scattered along footpaths and parks, there were many piles of them. By the end, we had collected well over 50, doing some quick calculations, we realized that if the fines for littering would have amounted to over $10,000.

By the end of the morning, we had filled countless bags with rubbish and recycling, leaving the area noticeably cleaner. Seeing the transformation was incredibly rewarding, and knowing we were contributing to a healthier environment for the community made the effort worthwhile.

I’d highly recommend this event to other students. It was a fantastic opportunity to give back, strengthen friendships, and witness the power of collective effort firsthand. It was also a great way to display Cranbrook’s strong sense of community and environmental responsibility. 

Sam Collison
Year 12