A remote Gulf of Carpentaria Containers for Change depot that began with a single ute and trailer has entered a new chapter, with ownership formally handed to a local Aboriginal corporation to keep the business in community hands.
The long-running Gulf C4C Pty Ltd, a regional operator in Queensland’s Containers for Change network, has been sold to the Gkuthaarn and Kukatj Aboriginal Corporation (GKAC).
An official handover ceremony was held in Normanton on 4 March 2026 to mark the transition and recognise the future of the container recycling service under local Traditional Owner leadership.
Gulf C4C Pty Ltd was founded in November 2019 by Annie Cork and Aboriginal elder Joseph Rainbow. Over several years, the pair built the operation in to a vital service supporting remote communities across the region.
The business collects containers from communities, businesses and cattle stations across the Gulf of Carpentaria, covering the Carpentaria Shire, Burke Shire, Croydon Shire and Etheridge Shire.
Mr Rainbow said the handover marked both the end of an era and the beginning of a new chapter for the service.
“It took a lot of blood, sweat and tears and hard work, but we’re proud of what we achieved, and we’re glad the business is staying with the community,” Mr Rainbow said.
GKAC is a Prescribed Body Corporate (PBC) representing the Gkuthaarn and Kukatj peoples, the Traditional Owners of land and saltwater country in the south-east Gulf of Carpentaria between the Leichhardt River and the Norman River.
The corporation was established following a joint Native Title determination in 2019–2020 and is supported by the Carpentaria Land Council Aboriginal Corporation.
Co-chair Sherelle Bee said acquiring the business aligns with GKAC’s focus on economic development and local employment.
“When Annie and Joseph decided to retire, we were looking at businesses that could create opportunities for our people, and this was a perfect fit,” Ms Bee said.
Trevor Evans, Interim CEO of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, congratulated Annie and Joesph on their well-earned retirement and welcomed GKAC to the scheme.
“On behalf of COEX, I’d like to sincerely thank Annie and Joseph for their commitment to bringing Containers for Change to remote parts of Queensland and making it easier for people to access the 10-cent refund,” Mr Evans said.
“Their work has delivered meaningful change for Gulf communities, and I look forward to seeing GKAC carry forward the special legacy they have created in the region.”
GKAC plans to retain existing staff while expanding local employment and training opportunities for Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal residents.
The depot has already begun employing community members, including an NDIS participant who works daily at the site with support staff.
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