Brief
Clean Up Australia has been empowering communities to take practical environmental action for over 30 years. What began with a bold idea to clean Sydney Harbour in 1989 has grown into a national movement. In 2025, the initiative reached record numbers, with over 800,000 volunteers taking part across the country.
To celebrate 35 years of action, Clean Up Australia wanted to launch a new range of branded merchandise that honoured their legacy while supporting future impact. The goal was to create high-quality, sustainable items that could connect with their community, drive fundraising, and stand the test of time.
How We Helped
We worked closely with Aidan and the team to bring a thoughtful merchandise range to life. Each product was chosen for its sustainability, quality, and alignment with Clean Up Australia's values. The final lineup included:
- Fair Wear Leader, GOTS-certified organic cotton t-shirts
- GOTS-certified organic cotton Reusable tote bags
- Reusable drink bottles
A standout feature on the t-shirts was our “Clothing That Cares” label, proudly sewn onto the sleeve. It’s a small detail that sparks conversation and reinforces the values behind the product — a visible reminder that what we wear can reflect what we stand for.
The visual centrepiece of the range was a custom artwork by artist Timothy Johnston. His hand-drawn design features the Sydney Harbour Bridge, Opera House, and a bold kookaburra — tying in the movement’s beginnings and Aussie personality. The design draws inspiration from the vibrant neon surf tees of the '90s and reflects the energy, action and fun that drives the Clean Up community.
“My strong inspirations were the era in which Clean Up was born and the great surf brand t-shirts which echoed the style of the time and Australia’s coastal lifestyle.”
— Timothy Johnston, Contributing Artist
All items were packed and distributed by Windgap Warehouse, an Australian Disability Enterprise that provides employment and training through its School Leavers Employment Support (SLES) program. This added an extra layer of impact by supporting young adults with disabilities in gaining valuable work experience.
“We like to provide a variety of work-based experiences so the participants can find what jobs most interest them. Clean Up Australia provides meaningful work for our participants to learn new skills in a warehouse operation.”
— Louise Holt, SLES Team Leader
Outcomes
The new range was a hit. Volunteers, staff, and supporters embraced the fresh look and the story behind each item. The merch not only helped raise funds but also deepened the connection between Clean Up Australia and its community.
From packaging through to purpose, every detail added value. The products were well received, and the feedback spoke for itself:
“We’ve received such great feedback on the merch – I absolutely love my new t-shirts 😊”
— Sarah Martin, Corporate Partnerships Manager
“We love working with the LUCKE Apparel team, they're a really friendly bunch! They tailor solutions based on requirements and the process is smooth from start to finish. All the products are of high quality, durable and come with strong sustainability credentials, which is important to us at Clean Up Australia. The items produced with LUCKE are built to last and that's exactly what we were looking for with team uniforms and clothing/merchandise for sale to our community.”
— Clean Up Australia
This project shows how merchandise can do more than promote — it can help fund change, build community, and reflect the values of a cleaner, more sustainable future.