Aintree Community Comes Together for Annual Clean Up

Dozens of people from the Aintree community come out to Deanside Wetlands for a vital clean up as part of the nationwide Clean Up Australia Day movement.

Story by  
April 23, 2025

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australians put on their gloves, go outside, and pick up some rubbish in the hopes of protecting their local environment. 

Clean Up Australia Day was first held 35 years ago, and has since become our nation’s largest volunteer-based environmental event. On the first Sunday of March every year, people from all ages and backgrounds come together to help eliminate litter. Clean Up Australia has created a great opportunity for environmental action and community mobilisation, with many community groups now organising and committing to their own regular cleanups throughout the year.

One of these community groups is We Love Aintree, a social enterprise dedicated to local environmental initiatives and community connection, who have facilitated their 8th annual community clean up this year at the Deanside Wetlands in Aintree. Dozens of local volunteers attended, many of whom were families from the local area or community groups, such as the Aintree Scouts and Trash Patrol.

The team at We Love Aintree initiated the event by handing out gloves and equipment, and explaining the importance of the clean up to the local environment.

We Love Aintree brought along a trailer for the bagged rubbish and green waste to be transported and disposed of. Reusable gloves were laid out and made available for anyone to use on the day.

The Deanside Wetlands provide a diverse range of natural habitats for native flora and fauna. Ducks, swans, frogs, and kangaroos can all be found in the area. The wetlands act as an essential part of the local ecosystem in Aintree, but have unfortunately been subject to increasing pollution. Human activity and development in the area has led to rubbish coming into the wetlands, and this poses a significant threat to the local wildlife, which can become entangled or even ingest the litter. Green waste has also become an issue, as invasive weeds such as Kikuyu grass can spread aggressively.

“I live in this area so it’s important that I do my part to protect it,” shared one of the volunteers.

“It’s great seeing all of these people out here today showing support for the cause. When we leave this place in a couple of hours, it’s going to be in a much better state than how we found it.”

Volunteers holding rubbish pickers and bags, collecting litter throughout the Deanside Wetlands.

Indeed, the volunteers showed their community spirit as they made their way through the wetlands and collected any rubbish on sight. By the end of the event, the group had collected a total of 3.5 cubic metres of bagged rubbish and 1.25 cubic metres of green waste. 

The result of just this one clean up was remarkable, and it’s a shining example of what communities are capable of when working towards something collectively.

Clean Up Australia Day is a great way for people to come together and take environmental action in their own streets, but it doesn’t need to be limited to just one event or day of the year. Get to know your neighbourhood and help to keep it clean by doing your own clean up, or by joining one happening near you. If you’re a local in the Melton area, the Melton Botanic Garden and We Love Aintree host regular cleanups that are easy to join!

Bags of rubbish and green waste piled on to the trailer following the clean up.
Cathy is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, drawing from her experiences in community services and local government to inspire and uplift her community.

Every year, hundreds of thousands of Australians put on their gloves, go outside, and pick up some rubbish in the hopes of protecting their local environment. 

Clean Up Australia Day was first held 35 years ago, and has since become our nation’s largest volunteer-based environmental event. On the first Sunday of March every year, people from all ages and backgrounds come together to help eliminate litter. Clean Up Australia has created a great opportunity for environmental action and community mobilisation, with many community groups now organising and committing to their own regular cleanups throughout the year.

One of these community groups is We Love Aintree, a social enterprise dedicated to local environmental initiatives and community connection, who have facilitated their 8th annual community clean up this year at the Deanside Wetlands in Aintree. Dozens of local volunteers attended, many of whom were families from the local area or community groups, such as the Aintree Scouts and Trash Patrol.

The team at We Love Aintree initiated the event by handing out gloves and equipment, and explaining the importance of the clean up to the local environment.

Cathy is a passionate storyteller from Good News Melton, drawing from her experiences in community services and local government to inspire and uplift her community.

Read more good news stories

⬤ Find all of our stories here

Steve McGhie’s Journey Through Politics and Community Advocacy

Harmony with the Land: An Artistic Reflection by Keedan Rigney

Mike Li’s VCE Success Story: A 96 ATAR Without the Burn Out

Discover Local Flavours and Handmade Goods at Eynesbury Market

Ariel Mezzacappa Took the Lead as Youth Premier - Now She's Taking on Uni

From Melton to Canada: Jayde Young’s Rapid Rise in Athletics

Crafting Connection: How Craft Groups Are Weaving Community in Melton

Local Foundation Empowers Lives Through Compassion and Community

Melton Oceania Night Market: Savouring the Spirit of the Pacific

Strikes, Spirits, Stories: Lisa Houston Manages Bowling and Business

Melton Waves: Diving into a Connected Community

Circus Rio: A Thrilling Act for All Ages!

Melton European Night Market: A Taste of Tradition

Building a Better Melton: A Conversation with Mayor Steve Abboushi

Djerriwarrh Festival: The City We Create

From the Sidelines to the Court: Coach Powell's Netball Journey

Melton Unveils New Resale Shop

Celebrating the Volunteers Behind the Melton Botanic Garden

Empowering Youth in Melton’s South Sudanese Community

The Heart Behind Pay It Forward Melton

From Refugee to Community Lawyer: John Kon's Journey of Resilience and Community Impact

Melton Asian Night Market: Celebrating Culture and Cuisine

Aintree Community Comes Together for Annual Clean Up

Empowering the Future: the Aspiring Young Africans Foundation

GirlChat: Changing the World One Conversation at a Time!

Melton Welcomes New Citizens: Celebrating Australia's Diversity at 2025 Ceremony

Headspace Youth Advisory Group: Amplifying the Voices of Melton for Mental Health

Melton documentary ‘Reclaimed Voices’ makes its debut in Melbourne

Melton Local Makes New Mental Health App, Sevn Clouds

Mandalas in Melton

Headspace Melton: A Growing Tree of Hope for our Mental Health Services

Local Foodbank Helps Families During the Cost of Living Crisis

Steve McGhie’s Journey Through Politics and Community Advocacy

Harmony with the Land: An Artistic Reflection by Keedan Rigney

Mike Li’s VCE Success Story: A 96 ATAR Without the Burn Out

Discover Local Flavours and Handmade Goods at Eynesbury Market

Ariel Mezzacappa Took the Lead as Youth Premier - Now She's Taking on Uni

From Melton to Canada: Jayde Young’s Rapid Rise in Athletics

Crafting Connection: How Craft Groups Are Weaving Community in Melton

Local Foundation Empowers Lives Through Compassion and Community

Melton Oceania Night Market: Savouring the Spirit of the Pacific

Strikes, Spirits, Stories: Lisa Houston Manages Bowling and Business

Melton Waves: Diving into a Connected Community

Circus Rio: A Thrilling Act for All Ages!

Melton European Night Market: A Taste of Tradition

Building a Better Melton: A Conversation with Mayor Steve Abboushi

Djerriwarrh Festival: The City We Create

From the Sidelines to the Court: Coach Powell's Netball Journey

Melton Unveils New Resale Shop

Celebrating the Volunteers Behind the Melton Botanic Garden

Empowering Youth in Melton’s South Sudanese Community

The Heart Behind Pay It Forward Melton

From Refugee to Community Lawyer: John Kon's Journey of Resilience and Community Impact

Melton Asian Night Market: Celebrating Culture and Cuisine

Aintree Community Comes Together for Annual Clean Up

Empowering the Future: the Aspiring Young Africans Foundation

GirlChat: Changing the World One Conversation at a Time!

Melton Welcomes New Citizens: Celebrating Australia's Diversity at 2025 Ceremony

Headspace Youth Advisory Group: Amplifying the Voices of Melton for Mental Health

Melton documentary ‘Reclaimed Voices’ makes its debut in Melbourne

Melton Local Makes New Mental Health App, Sevn Clouds

Mandalas in Melton

Headspace Melton: A Growing Tree of Hope for our Mental Health Services

Local Foodbank Helps Families During the Cost of Living Crisis

Read more good news stories

⬤ Find all of our stories here

"1111 Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et. Duis mollis, est non commodo luctus, nisi erat porttitor ligula, eget lacinia odio sem nec elit. Etiam porta sem malesuada magna mollis euismod."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Vivamus sagittis lacus vel augue laoreet rutrum faucibus dolor auctor."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Lorem ipsum dolor sit amet, consectetur adipiscing elit. Cras justo odio, dapibus ac facilisis in, egestas eget quam."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec sed odio dui. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
Button Text

Keedan Rigney, a multidisciplinary artist based in Melbourne, discusses his exhibition in Caroline Springs Gallery, 'Healthy Country, Healthy People’, and its exploration of the deep relationship between culture, community and environment.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Mike Li, a Melton Secondary College graduate, shares how he achieved a 96 ATAR through smart study habits, strong support systems, and a focus on balance over burnout.

➔ Read more
Button Text

With a wide variety of local products, artisan crafts, and delicious food, the Eynesbury Market is the perfect place to enjoy a Sunday with family and friends.

➔ Read more
Button Text

From a Grade 4 classroom to the chambers of Victorian Parliament, Melton-local Ariel Mezzacappa’s leadership journey is a testament to what’s possible when young people are empowered to speak up. Now, the 2024 YMCA Youth Premier is stepping into university life with the same passion for advocacy and change.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Jayde Young is a determined teen balancing school and sport, now set to represent Australia on the world stage - a powerful reminder that it’s never too late to chase big dreams.

➔ Read more
Button Text

At Melton Library, crafting isn’t just a hobby, it enables people to connect, create, and give back. The Night Crafters and Craft and Chat programs effortlessly turn yarn into community, kindness, and lifelong friendships.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Rehmat Sandhu Foundation transforms lives across Melton with inclusive services, crisis support, and advocacy led by award-winning Founder and Director, Ravinder Kaur.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Melton Oceania Night Market concludes the city’s three-part international market series in 2025 with a vibrant celebration of traditional dance, music and delicious food from the Pacific Islands and its neighbouring countries.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Owner of Xplosions Bar and Bowl, Lisa Houston, shares how her family-run entertainment venue has become a vibrant place for locals of all ages. With a passion for community and creating fun experiences, Lisa explores the inspiration behind Xplosions and its significance for young people.

➔ Read more
Button Text

From swim lessons and youth traineeships to local events and wellness programs, Melton Waves is empowering young people beyond their aquatic and gym facilities.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Melton European Night Market is back for another enchanting evening filled with traditional foods, stalls and performances that transform you straight to the beautiful streets of Europe.

➔ Read more
Button Text

We spoke with City of Melton Mayor, Steve Abboushi, who shared his vision for the future, the community’s top priorities, and the steps currently being taken to build a more connected and vibrant Melton.

➔ Read more
Button Text

We visit Melton’s biggest event of the year for a day filled with fun activities and community spirit!

➔ Read more
Button Text

Burnside Springs United netball coach, Warren Powell, shares how their club shapes netball players to achieve their goals while enjoying the sport.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Visit the Melton Resale Shop for affordable second-hand treasures, and help create local jobs for people facing employment barriers with every purchase!

➔ Read more
Button Text

Robin, a volunteer with the Friends of Melton Botanic Garden, shares his experience creating a welcoming space for all through his hands-on contributions.

➔ Read more
Button Text

After a cancer diagnosis, Sonyia Hofherr turned hardship into hope, creating Pay It Forward Melton to support those in need. What began with small donations has grown into a vital community initiative, proving that one act of kindness can spark a movement.

➔ Read more
Button Text

After arriving in Australia as a refugee, John Kon turned his challenges into a drive to give back. Now a Lawyer at Brimbank Melton Community Legal Centre, he’s helping others navigate the legal system - showing how lived experience can lead to lasting impact.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Melton Asian Night Market kicks off a vibrant three-part series of cultural celebrations, bringing the community together through delicious food, live entertainment, and interactive experiences.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Dozens of people from the Aintree community come out to Deanside Wetlands for a vital clean up as part of the nationwide Clean Up Australia Day movement.

➔ Read more
Button Text

The Aspiring Young Africans Foundation (ASPYA) is a transformative movement empowering local African-Australian youth through mentorship, education, and community support.

➔ Read more
Button Text

GirlChat is a powerful grassroots movement empowering young women through open conversations, leadership, and community-driven change.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Hundreds of residents of Melton proudly became Australian citizens during a vibrant ceremony, marking a pivotal moment in their journey as part of a growing, multicultural community.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Reclaimed Voices is more than a documentary - it’s a movement that amplifies African Australian youth experiences, and sparks much needed conversations on justice, identity, and systemic change.

➔ Read more
Button Text

Melton mother Brooke created Sevn Clouds, a simple app offering instant relief for anxiety and panic attacks.

➔ Read more
Button Text

See how this local created Buddhist-inspired artworks and gave the Melton library the gift of meditation

➔ Read more
"Donec sed odio dui. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Aenean lacinia bibendum nulla sed consectetur."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Nullam quis risus eget urna mollis ornare vel eu leo. Donec id elit non mi porta gravida at eget metus. Sed posuere consectetur est at lobortis. Praesent commodo cursus magna, vel scelerisque nisl consectetur et."
Name Surname
Position, Company name
"Donec ullamcorper nulla non metus auctor fringilla. Fusce dapibus, tellus ac cursus commodo, tortor mauris condimentum nibh, ut fermentum massa justo sit amet risus."
Name Surname
Position, Company name