A Gold Coast tourist park has turned container recycling into life-saving support after raising $32,642 for the Leukaemia Foundation, inspired by a family’s personal battle with cancer.
When Paul, the father of Broadwater Tourist Park Manager Brooke, was diagnosed with leukaemia in 2002, doctors gave him just two weeks to live. His wife Kim suddenly faced caring for four young children while Paul fought for his life in hospital.
During that time, the Leukaemia Foundation stepped in, providing accommodation near the hospital and vital support that gave the family stability when they needed it most.
More than two decades after Paul’s remarkable recovery, Broadwater Tourist Park continues to give back, raising funds for the Foundation through Queensland’s Containers for Change scheme.
Over the past four years, guests have been encouraged to recycle their eligible 10-cent containers to support families facing challenges once faced by Brooke’s own family.
The initiative forms part of a City of Gold Coast partnership with Container Exchange (COEX), the not-for-profit behind Containers for Change, which encourages guests across seven mainland tourist parks to recycle and support local causes through their refunds.
Brooke and Matt, Park Managers at Broadwater Tourist Park, said the program is proudly supported by their management team, who ensures guests are aware of how to make a difference through Containers for Change.
“For our guests, knowing their efforts contribute directly to the Leukaemia Foundation inspires them to participate, creating a feel-good moment when they donate their empty containers for a worthy cause,” Brooke and Matt said.
“To make participation even easier, we are planning to introduce caddy bins in all 28 cabins to allow guests to separate containers during their stay before taking them to the main bin bays.”
COEX Chief Executive Officer Natalie Roach said the partnership is a powerful example of how tourism and sustainability can go hand in hand.
“Seeing container recycling transformed into life-saving donations is an impact we are incredibly proud to recognise,” Ms Roach said.
“Broadwater Tourist Park’s fundraising effort shows what’s possible when we engage our communities with purpose, make sustainability accessible, and ensure no container goes to waste.
“Their commitment, alongside the wider Gold Coast Tourist Parks network, is helping shape a future where doing good for the planet also means doing good for people.”
David Hancock, Fundraising Specialist at the Leukaemia Foundation, said the funds will make a real difference.
“Without Containers for Change, we wouldn’t be seeing this kind of money. These donations help us provide accommodation, financial assistance, and fund research and trials for patients facing blood cancer.”
Since 2018, more than 10.8 billion containers have been returned statewide, with more than 1 billion containers collected across the Gold Coast region alone.
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