OUR STORY

We’ve been working with communities to keep Australia Beautiful for over 50 years.

Our vision for the future is for every Australian to feel inspired and empowered to take action that helps to protect our environment for generations to come.

OUR HISTORY

Starting in 1966, Keep Australia Beautiful was our nation’s first anti-litter campaigner and sustainability advocate.

Since then, we’ve been working with our state-based offices and local community groups to raise awareness on how we can all live more sustainably.

1966 – 1989

  • 1966 KESAB established in SA
  • 1968 Tidy Towns began in WA
  • 1971 Keep Australia Beautiful National Association commenced, formed by Dame Phyllis Frost &Colin Hill.
  • 1972 Gough Whitlam launches ‘Live Without Litter Week’. Watch it here
  • 1972 Keep Australia Beautiful Week commenced
  • 1974-5 “Dopes Rubbish Australia” and “Pig” television campaigns launched.
  • 1970’s CARE AWARDS and Golden Broom Awards.
  • 1979 Do The Right Thing Campaign Launched

1990 – 1999

  • 1990- 1995 Australian Environmental Awards for Schools.
  • 1991 Australian Tidy Towns Awards commenced (a concept borrowed from Ireland, commenced in Australia in WA in 1968).
  • 1998-2001 National programs administered by SA office.

2000 – 2009

  • 2008 KAB ‘Green Ribbon’ cause marketing program commenced.
  • 2008 First Branded Litter Study published.
  • 2009 Judging visits for the Australian Sustainable Communities Awards consisting of Tidy Towns, Sustainable Cities and Clean Beaches.
  • 2009 Governor General accepts role as Patron of KABNA and hosts the Australian Tidy Towns Awards.

2010 – Present

  • 2010 Beverage Container Recycling Grants funded by the Coca-Cola Foundation.
  • 2011 National Bin Network (Australia’s Litter Action Plan) Pilot Trialled.
  • 2012 The LITTLE Committee commenced (ending in 2014).
  • 2014 Adopt-a-Patch program commenced.
  • 2014 Eco-Schools Australia commenced.
  • 2017 Young Reporters for the Environment Australia commenced. (YRE)
  • 2022 KAB Week celebrates 50 years
  • 2022 Contain Your Waste program commenced
  • 2023 Paint Australia Beautiful-Schools commenced

OUR VISION

A litter-free and sustainable Australia.

OUR MISSION

We aspire to grow a community of Australians committed to keeping our country beautiful for years to come.

OUR OBJECTIVES

  • To lead, influence and advocate for environmental sustainability

  • To honour achievement in environmental preservation

  • To provide support through education, innovation, engagement and research

  • To deliver effective partnerships and programs that benefit the environment