The annual Change Maker Awards shine a light on the incredible individuals and organisations creating real change through the Containers for Change scheme.
Winners will be announced at the 2021 Change Maker Awards ceremony on 15 October.
Watch the 2020 Change Maker Awards ceremony below.
They’re not paid actors or famous faces; the people you’ll meet in these videos are real and are helping to make real change happen.
These Change Makers work at the coalface of the Containers for Change recycling program. They’re refund point operators, container collectors, charity workers, local club members, even school kids. And they’re living proof that everyday people can make a difference and are at the heart of a successful recycling program.
You too can make change. Collect your recyclable beverage containers and return them at your nearest container refund point. Sign up for a scheme ID and start collecting today.
Tom Pirie, better know around the coast as 10 Cent Tom, has grown his business to collect around 6,000 containers a week from neighbours, businesses and groups in his community.
With the whole community getting behind the cause, Tanduringie State School P&C were able to turn containers into valuable resources for their students.
Libby Edge and her beautiful band of volunteers have removed over 206,000 kilos of debris from the Whitsunday Islands.
Simon Van Leuven, Director at Vanden Recycling talks about the circular economy.
Andrew Beckett, Cherbourg’s Facility Manager explains what impact the scheme has had on his community.
Bob Norris from the Lions Club explains how the scheme has helped fundraise for people in need in Cooktown.
Kenny and Steffi Reid from AusWaste FNQ are passionate about preserving their environment for generations to come.
Heather’s family operate Reef Logisitics, and have created many jobs and opportunities for the area.
Janelle Zordan runs a booming business at Advanced Metal Recycling, serving upwards of 200 customers a day.