Ian Kiernan facts for kids
Quick facts for kids
Ian Kiernan
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Kiernan in 2013
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Ian Bruce Carrick Kiernan
4 October 1940 Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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| Died | 16 October 2018 (aged 78) Sydney, New South Wales, Australia
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| Nationality | Australian |
| Occupation | Environmentalist, Yachtsman, Property Developer, Builder |
| Years active | 1993–2018 |
| Known for | Clean Up the World movement |
Ian Bruce Carrick Kiernan was an amazing Australian who loved the environment. He was a sailor, builder, and worked hard to protect our planet. He is best known for starting the Clean Up Australia campaign in 1989. Later, in 1993, he helped create Clean Up the World, which became a huge event. This yearly effort brought together 30 million volunteers from 80 countries to clean up their local areas.
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Early Life and Sailing Adventures
Ian Kiernan was born in Sydney, Australia, on October 4, 1940. He went to school in Sydney and later studied to become a builder.
Ian loved sailing and competed for over 40 years. He even represented Australia in many big races. In 1986, he took on a huge challenge: sailing solo around the world in a tough race called the BOC Challenge. He finished 6th out of 25 yachts and set an Australian record for sailing around the world by himself!
Starting the Clean Up Movement
During his solo sailing race around the world, Ian was shocked by how much rubbish he saw floating in the oceans. This experience inspired him to do something about it.
When he returned home, Ian gathered some friends to help him. They organized a community event called "Clean Up Sydney Harbour." On Sunday, January 8, 1989, an incredible 40,000 volunteers showed up to help! Together, they collected over 5,000 tonnes of rubbish.
The first clean-up was a huge success and quickly gained national attention. Since then, millions of people have joined in annual "Clean Up Australia Days." There are also special "Schools Clean Up Days" and "Business Clean Ups." The goal of Clean Up Australia is to "inspire and work with communities to clean up and fix up our Earth."
In 1993, Ian took his idea to the global stage, starting "Clean Up the World." By 2007, about 35 million people from 80 countries were taking part. By 2017, it was estimated that 120 nations joined in to clean up their part of the world.
Awards and Recognition
Ian Kiernan's efforts to protect the environment were recognized with many awards.
- In 1991, the Australian Government gave him the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM).
- He was named Australian of the Year in 1994. During the award ceremony, he even helped prevent a security incident involving Charles, Prince of Wales.
- In 1995, he was given an even higher honor, becoming an Officer (AO) of the Order of Australia.
- In 1998, Ian received the UNEP Sasakawa Prize. This award is given to people who have done amazing work to protect and manage the environment.
- He also received the World Citizenship Award from the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts in 1999.
- In 2001, he was awarded the Centenary Medal for his service to the Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World campaigns.
- In 2006, he received a Lifetime Achievement Award from the National Trust of Australia.
- In 2007 and 2008, Reader's Digest polls showed that Australians trusted Clean Up Australia as a charity, and Ian Kiernan was one of the most trusted Australians.
Later Life and Legacy
Ian Kiernan passed away on October 16, 2018, in Sydney, at the age of 78. He left behind his daughters Sally and Pip, and his son Jack. His legacy lives on through the millions of people who continue to participate in Clean Up Australia and Clean Up the World, making a positive difference for our planet.
