By Nikhar Budhadev
This year’s Clean Up Australia campaign brought together many volunteers from different organisations including the HSS (Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh) with more than 500 volunteers showing their dedication towards making Australia clean and green.
For HSS volunteers who got involved in the initiative in ACT, cleaning up Australia is a pledge for environmental responsibility and a vow to give back to the community. The HSS volunteers were drawn from different backgrounds and age groups – from young kids to elderly members – and each played their part in the community effort.
Assistant Minister for Foreign Affairs, Tim Watts, was also part of the initiative. He said that “When communities come together, they can create real change”
As national volunteers scoured parks, roadways, and other public areas, a number of memorable moments really captured the strength of the Clean Up Australia campaign.
“We believe in the importance of a clean and healthy environment. Litter not only affects the aesthetics of an area, but harms wildlife and ecosystems. Building a community through giving back is not only about picking up trash, but setting an example for others and being part of a cleaner, healthier world”, said HSS volunteer Rishab.
The Mayor of Cambeltown Council Darcy Lound also praised the efforts of HSS volunteers. He said that “events like these demonstrate the power of local action.”
For many, the event highlighted the need for unity within the community. It was a reminder that collective action can create real, meaningful change. Seeing families, friends, and neighbors engage in picking up trash, sharing stories, and working together toward a cleaner environment was powerful evidence that if everyone does their part we really can make a difference.
“Before the clean-up, we discovered a variety of items hidden between the trees and under the grass, ranging from tents and rugs to cans and plastic bottles,” said Vihaan, a volunteer who participated in the clean-up at Edison Park. “These areas, particularly popular with children and youth, had accumulated waste over time. Our work made a real difference, and now the park is cleaner and safer for the community.”
In addition to improving the physical environment, the clean-up helped raise awareness. This collective effort highlighted the importance of keeping public spaces clean and sustainable. Volunteers hope that their actions inspire others to think more carefully about waste disposal and foster a culture of responsibility that lasts well beyond the event.
For one participant, Vanshika, the event also emphasized the importance of personal responsibility. “It made me reflect on how many people talk about the environment and cleanup efforts but don’t take action,” she said. “It’s easy to say something, but it’s the actions that make a difference. Imagine how much cleaner and more beautiful the world could be if everyone did their part.”
While the environmental benefits of the clean-up were obvious, the emotional and social impact was just as significant. As community members worked together to collect rubbish, they also built a stronger sense of connection to each other and their shared environment. This unity extended beyond the clean-up, inspiring a long-term commitment to environmental stewardship.
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