Rise and Shine: 40 Years of Community Action Exhibition
Celebrate 40 years of community environmental action at the Rise and Shine: 40 Years of Community Action Exhibition. This special exhibition honours the remarkable journey of Wollongong City Council's longest-running volunteer program and its contribution to creating a cleaner, greener and more sustainable Wollongong.
Explore historical newspaper clippings, archival photographs, trophies, memorabilia and the iconic Rise and Shine Trailer, showcasing the program's evolution and the dedication of volunteers who have made a lasting impact across the city.
Over four decades, Rise and Shine has grown from a community clean-up initiative into a broader environmental program supporting waste reduction, water conservation, energy efficiency, biodiversity and food gardening. The exhibition celebrates these achievements while highlighting the positive legacy of volunteer action.
Visitors are also invited to share their vision for the future of environmental and litter prevention programs and help shape the next chapter of Rise and Shine. Whether you're a long-time volunteer, local history enthusiast or community-minded resident, the exhibition offers a unique opportunity to celebrate the people and projects that have helped keep Wollongong beautiful.
The exhbition will be open from 9am to 2pm daily between 31 August to 5 September 2026.
To learn more about the Rise and Shine volunteer program or find out how to get involved, visit Council's website.
Plan your visit
The main hub of activity will be around the Garden's Education Centre, but there will be a range of activities scattered throughout the Garden!
- Public Transport: The best way to arrive is via public transport with the free shuttle bus stopping at Northfields Ave and connecting to North Wollongong train station.
- Driving: A limited number of car spaces are available at our car parks off Madoline Street or Murphys Avenue, or street parking is also available.
- Cycling: we have a number of bike racks at Garden entrances.
Download our Garden map PDF, 76 KB and find full details (including access and mobility) on getting here.
Updates and cancellations
Any updates or cancellations will be posted on this page and the Garden's Facebook and Instagram.