Husband and wife team Kevin and Mary-Jane Vickers started their Containers for Change journey in 2018, with three depots and six staff in Central Queensland. Today, CQ Recycling (CQR) own and operate seven container refund points that have processed more than 226 million containers and provide employment for more than 35 locals.
The steady flow of containers through CQR’s sites has enabled the business to support the community that supports them.
In addition to generously donating $10,000 to the Quoin Island Turtle Rehabilitation Centre to support their work rehabilitating sick and injured sea turtles for release, the Vickers also supply free collection services for the rehabilitation centre’s container bins.
CQR’s 90-per-cent female workforce includes mothers who have experienced barriers to returning to the workforce after raising their families.
Mary-Jane and Kevin have been pleased to provide a pathway back to employment for these women, who in turn have proven an asset to the organisation thanks to their strong customer service skills.
CQR pride themselves on delivering a culture that places emphasis on work life balance, with shifts allocated to suit school hours or other family commitments. In addition, CQR funds skill boosting training such as forklift, truck or baling machine licenses for their team. This employee-focused approach has cultivated a highly engaged team and enviable staff retention rate.
