The Thursday Island Animal Support Group is celebrating a remarkable milestone after treating 3,000 animals and supporting more than 600 desexing procedures across the Torres Strait and Northern Peninsula Area.
The achievement is the latest chapter in a community success story powered in part by Containers for Change.
For several years, the volunteer-run organisation has used funds raised through Queensland’s container refund scheme to support veterinary care in some of the state’s most remote communities.
Alongside regular clinics on Thursday Island, the group has expanded its services to Bamaga, helping improve animal health outcomes and access to essential veterinary care across the region.
October marks the group’s fifth veterinary clinic visit to Bamaga, reaching an important milestone of 500 animals treated and 100 desexing procedures in the Northern Peninsula Area.
The group’s work was recognised in 2021 when it won the Change Maker Award for Charity or Community Group of the Year.
Joe Fitzgerald, spokesperson for Container Exchange (COEX), the not-for-profit that runs Containers for Change, said the milestone demonstrated the powerful community impact that can be created when Queenslanders recycle their eligible drink containers.
“Every container returned through Containers for Change has the potential to create positive change in a community,” Mr Fitzgerald said.
“The Thursday Island Animal Support Group has shown what is possible when that funding is directed towards a genuine local need.
“Through the dedication of volunteers and the support of the community, container refunds are helping provide essential veterinary care to thousands of animals that may otherwise have gone without treatment.”
Thursday Island Animal Support Group President Sonia Einersen said the organisation’s work would not be possible without the support of the local community and those who donate containers to help fund the service.
“Containers for Change has helped us create a sustainable source of funding that directly supports animal welfare across our region,” Ms Einersen said.
“We’ve made a huge difference to the overall health of animals in our communities and we’re proud to reach this milestone in Bamaga.”
The organisation operates regular veterinary clinics every two to three months, with veterinarian staff travelling from Cairns to provide services including health checks, treatment, vaccinations and desexing procedures.
Queenslanders can donate their container refunds directly to Thursday Island Animal Support Group by setting the charity as their preferred payment method in the Containers for Change app or by using member number C10414562.
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