A passion for conservation and thousands of returned containers have helped nature-enthusiast Don Bambrick donate more than $8,000 to Landcare through Containers for Change.
This Keep Australia Beautiful Week, Containers for Change is shining a light on Don whose dedication to container recycling has helped support environmental restoration projects across the Capricorn Coast.
Since 2020, Don has collected eligible containers from around his community and donated the 10-cent refunds to Capricorn Coast Landcare, a volunteer-led organisation that works to protect and restore local natural areas.
His collections have generated more than $8,000 for the organisation through the 10-cent refund.
This story comes as new research commissioned by Containers for Change and conducted by Veracity found that helping the environment is the top reason Queenslanders take part in the scheme, with many wanting practical ways to contribute to cleaner communities.
As a former forestry worker, Don said supporting Capricorn Coast Landcare was a natural fit.
“I volunteered with Landcare for several years and saw firsthand the work they do in our community, so donating my refunds to the cause was an easy decision,” Mr Bambrick said.
“People often see an empty bottle or can as rubbish, but through Containers for Change it can become something positive. Every container returned helps support local projects that protect the places we all enjoy.”
Malcolm Wells, President of Capricorn Coast Landcare, said community support from people like Mr Bambrick played an important role in helping the organisation continue its environmental work.
“Every contribution makes a difference, and Don’s support over the years has been incredibly generous,” Mr Wells said.
“We work to protect and restore our local natural environments, from coastal areas to bushland, and the donated funds help support practical conservation activities like weed removal and habitat restoration.
“We’ve also seen the positive impact Containers for Change has had on litter reduction, with fewer containers ending up on our local beaches.”
Angela West, owner of Container Refund Capricorn Coast, said stories like Don’s highlighted the wider community impact of the scheme.
“We see people return containers for all sorts of reasons, but some of the most inspiring stories come from people who choose to give their refunds back to local causes,” Ms West said.
Trevor Evans, Interim Chief Executive Officer of Container Exchange, the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said Don’s story reflected the spirit of Keep Australia Beautiful Week.
“This Keep Australia Beautiful Week, we’re celebrating Queenslanders like Don who are keeping communities clean and supporting the local organisations that care for the places we value most,” Mr Evans said.
Since 2018, Queenslanders have returned more than 12 billion containers through Containers for Change, putting $1.2 billion back into communities statewide. For more information on how to return your eligible containers, visit the Containers for Change website.
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