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Change Maker Awards 2026

Finalists announced!

This year’s Change Maker Awards have been hotly contested, with 50 per cent more operator nominations than in 2024.

Congratulation to all those who entered. We’re thrilled to announce the finalists in each category below.

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Travel allowance
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Judging criteria
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Scoring entries
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FAQs
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2026 award finalists

Small Operator of the Year Award

  • Torres Shire Council Containers for Change
  • Gympie Green Solutions

Medium Operator of the Year Award

  • CFCNT Pty Ltd – Containers for Cash, North & South Toowoomba
  • Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange

Large Operator of the Year Award

  • Reef Logistics & Recycling Pty Ltd
  • Express Recycling Queensland
  • MAMS Group / MAMS Redeem Team

Change Maker of the Year Award

This award honours the standout finalist from those listed above. Someone whose contribution goes above and beyond expectations to show  leadership, innovation and impact across the Containers for Change network.

They were selected as the highest scoring finalist by a vote of all four judges.

Small Operator of the Year

Torres Shire Council Containers for Change

Before the Thursday Island team shipped its first container in late January 2025, setting up a CRP in such a remote area required extensive logistical coordination, including meeting stringent biosecurity requirements, packing processed containers into dry good containers and shipping them by sea to Cairns for processing. Despite this, Council expanded the scheme to Horn Island, increasing community engagement and delivering environmental and social benefits.

Gympie Green Solutions

Established in 2025 by Links Community Services and Jobmatch Employment, Gympie Green Solutions is a proud community-focused, not-for-profit social enterprise. It provides meaningful work for people facing barriers to employment or living with a disability. With a drive through concierge service, a drop and drive and free weekly mobile collection for homes and commercial premises, the CRP partners with schools, charities, businesses and major events to convert waste into vital community funds.

“Five stars to Gympie Green Solutions … I dropped off my recyclables and was greeted by friendly smiles from staff and an efficient ‘while you wait’ service. 10/10 for a local not-for-profit service that cares about the local community and environment.”

Medium Operator of the Year

Containers for Cash – North & South Toowoomba

Opening their North and South Toowoomba sites in early 2021 and 2022 respectively, Containers for Cash operates 7 days a week, has a home collection service and 24-hour bag drops. Customer service is a priority, including service with a smile and a large-screen TV for customer entertainment and education. Offering work experience for local special school students, school tours and safe, clean facilities, they’ve grown more than tenfold from when they began and have built significant partnerships with the community. 

Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange

Sandgate Bottles and Cans has focused on innovation and building strong relationships in the corporate, commercial and community sectors, including with schools, sports clubs, aged care facilities, hospitality venues and even the airport! By servicing such a broad and diverse customer base, they’ve been able to increase their container turnover considerably in the last 12 months – including a large volume through their partnership programs. They have used the media creatively; running competitions, giveaways and educational campaigns – including a collaboration with Virgin. With strong five-star reviews, they were also a finalist in the 2025 Brisbane City Council WasteSMART Awards. 

Large Operator of the Year

Reef Logistics & Recycling Pty Ltd

This family-owned, purpose built, Townsville CRP is the largest drive-through recycling depot in Queensland. They have had a massive number of containers through their doors in the past seven years, returning tens of millions of dollars to the local community. They take pride in their professional standards – emphasising safety while providing speed and convenience for customers. A recent safety audit resulted in a 99.53% score. A proactive culture, an ‘end2end customer service flow’ and inclusive hiring policies have resulted in a supportive, representative environment and a deep community connection. 

Express Recycling Queensland

Express Recycling opened its first depot in Clontarf in 2019 and has since grown to seven refund points and five bag drop locations across SEQ and Hervey Bay. Strong operational performance, community engagement and partnerships have seen a massive turnover of containers in that time, with tens of millions going back to the community, charities and businesses. With 82 staff and strong local leadership, the focus is on customer service, safety and cleanliness. They have an extensive network of partnerships with high profile charities like Variety and events like Woodfordia, and strong relationships with stadiums, Village Roadshow and venues like the Star, Gold Coast. 

MAMS Group / MAMS Redeem Team

MAMS Group has been part of the scheme since it launched in 2018, with CRPs across North Queensland. From their beginnings in Ingham, Innisfail and later, Tully, they have continued to invest in improved infrastructure and expanded into surrounding areas. Their commitment to safety can be seen in a past Change Maker Award for Safety in 2021 and a recent collaboration with COEX to help build a new, improved audit program. MAMS is committed to delivering a welcoming, respectful, and efficient customer experience at all its CRPs and has built trust in the community through ongoing partnerships.

Travel allowance and attendance caps

Attendance caps have been set so representation is proportionate.

  • Small operators: 1 operator + 1 team member
  • Medium operators: 1 operator + up to 2 team members
  • Large operators: 1 operator + up to 3 team members

Travel reimbursement will only be paid once per operator, not per attendee. All allowances will be paid in a block a week before the event. The travel distance will be measured from the operator’s site to Brisbane’s CBD.

Travel allowances

Distance Allowance What is covered?
0–200 km
(less than 2.5 hrs driving)		 Up to $500 Mileage (0.85c per km), train or bus fares from the operator’s home or CRP and return.

If the operator consumes alcohol on the night and lives:

  • 0-100kms from the venue (greater Brisbane) – taxis, rideshare or public transport will be covered on presentation of a receipt up to a maximum of $200)
  • 100-200kms from the venue (outside greater Brisbane) – the operator may be entitled to claim for one night’s accommodation if necessary
200–500 km
(2.5–5.5 hrs travel)		 Up to $800 Return flight, train or bus + one night accommodation OR fuel + one night accommodation
500 km+
(more than 5.5 hrs of travel)		 Up to $1,000 Return flight + one night accommodation

NB: If an operator based more than 200km from Brisbane brings a plus one who needs a separate room, COEX will cover this extra cost (e.g. An operator brings an employee of the opposite gender who they’re not in a relationship with).

*Operators within 200km of Brisbane are not automatically entitled to accommodation. However, if they intend to drink alcohol at the awards event, COEX strongly recommends they DON’T drive. 

*This applies only to operators, not additional team members or plus ones.

Accommodation support is targeted at operators travelling longer distances, with safety‑based provisions (including cab vouchers) possible where alcohol is consumed at the evening event.

Operators book their own travel to simplify administration.

Recommended plus-one policy for the awards

Only operators (not their team members) are permitted to bring a plus-one to the awards to:

  • avoid venue overcapacity
  • keep the focus on recognising operator excellence and professional engagement
  • control catering and alcohol related risks (R9)
  • ensure equity where some operators might try to bring whole families.

Frequently asked questions

How do I claim reimbursement for my travel?

Operators claim back the cost of their travel and accommodation (if required) by submitting an invoice to their Network Lead with supporting invoices or receipts for each item claimed.

What type of travel is covered (e.g. mileage, flights, accommodation, rideshare, public transport)?

Travel of all types is covered up to the limits listed in the table, i.e.:

  • Driving – via a vehicle mileage claim
  • Flights, trains or bus fares and accommodation
  • Taxis, rideshare or public transport (up to a cap of $200) for those living up to 100kms from the venue if they consume alcohol and can’t drive safely on the night.
Are there any caps or limits (e.g. per person, per entity, per distance)?

Yes, the travel reimbursement amount is a one off amount up to amounts listed. Any costs above the caps or for plus-ones must be funded by operator.

What evidence is required for mileage claims?
  • Operators are bound by the same rules on mileage claims as members of the COEX team, and will be required to fill out a mileage claim.
  • A screen shot of a journey planner or Google maps showing the distance from their home or CRP to the events must also be provided.
Is a standard rate per kilometre applied? If so, what is the rate?

Yes, mileage for driving is $0.85 per km.

What documentation is required for non-mileage claims (e.g. flight receipts, invoices, accommodation booking receipts)?

Itemised tax invoices or receipts must be provided for all claims. Documentation must clearly show:

  • Flight, train or bus traveller name
  • Date of travel / stay – i.e. 23 July 2026
  • Supplier details – e.g. airline/rail/bus-line and accommodation
  • Amount paid
  • Mileage claim (if relevant)
  • Google maps/journey planner with kms (if relevant).

Boarding passes (or booking confirmations) may be requested for flights, rail or bus if needed for verification.

Does each individual submit separately, or one claim per entity?

Only one claim per operator or primary invitee is allowed. Guests or plus-ones cannot claim for travel but can accompany the operator.

Can third-party purchases (e.g. staff member pays for travel) be reimbursed, and how?

No. The operator will be required to cover those costs.

How and where should claims be submitted

Claims must be submitted by invoice sent to the Network Leads along with a completed mileage form and supporting documentation.

Network Leads will send to Comms via enquiries@containerexchange.com.au We will collate the claims in a spreadsheet, and they will be sent to Finance for processing.

What is the deadline for submitting claims?

If you want to be paid before the event/s, invoices must be submitted at least 7 working days before the event, i.e. 15 July. Invoices submitted after this will be paid once approved as part of BAU (within 14 days).

What checks will be in place to prevent fraudulent or duplicate claims?

Checks will be made against:

  • Event attendance records
  • Operator eligibility
  • Duplicate submissions

Receipts will be verified and claims will have to be consist with travel policies.

Supporting receipts will be required for all claims.

When will reimbursements be paid

Invoices received by 15 July will be processed in the week before the event.

Invoices received after the event/s will be processed as usual, with payment expected within 14 days of approval.

How many guests can large operators with complex structures have (e.g. a master entity with multiple operating entities)?

The CEO/owner/operator is permitted to invite 3 guests. Area Managers who have been invited are entitled to one guest. If someone responsible for a CRP believes they are entitled to attend but wasn’t on the list of attendees, they can contact us at enquiries@containerexchange.com.au.

Can operators purchase additional tickets beyond their allocation?

No, this isn’t a ticketed event – no payment is required. The number of guests is constrained by the venue capacity. Please check with us at enquiries@containerexchange.com.au re: requests for additional guests so we can work out a fair decision so as many operators as possible can attend.

Judging criteria

Judges used the criteria below to measure each nominee’s performance, impact and achievements. Everyone has been assessed against the same standards, no matter their service style, size or location.

Each of the criteria was scored out of 10 points, with a possible total of 40 points.

Judges used the following scoring guide:

  • 1–3: limited or no evidence beyond standard practice
  • 4–7: good or solid evidence of achievement
  • 8–10: exceptional, innovative or outstanding achievement far beyond standard expectations.

The top three entries in each category (small, medium, and large operators) became finalists.

The judges then cast a vote to decide the winner of the Change Maker of the Year Award.

Background and context (10 points)

This section  helped judges understand the nominee’s operating environment and scale of impact. entrants described:

  • the operator’s involvement and history with the Containers for Change scheme
  • the type of refund point(s), including service style and the communities or regions served
  • clear evidence the operator complies with all contractual and safety obligations.
Safety excellence (10 points)

This criterion recognised operators who create safe, well-managed environments. The judges assessed commitment to exceptional safety outcomes, including:

  • initiatives that improve customer and staff safety
  • new or enhanced safety practices, training or handling techniques
  • a strong safety culture that exceeds standard requirements
  • safety audit performance (note: operators with high-risk ratings or unresolved safety actions were not be shortlisted).

 

Customer experience and community benefits (10 points)

This criterion recognised operators who have increased customer participation and created a positive local impact. Judges assessed how the operator has improved customer experience and community access to container recycling, including:

  • enhancing convenience, service quality or accessibility
  • increasing awareness of and engagement with the refund point
  • demonstrated benefits for the community, including:
  • social (e.g. employment of under-represented groups, local partnerships and/or charity and community support)
  • economic (e.g. more refunds to customers, charities or community groups)
  • environmental (e.g. complementary recycling initiatives, waste reduction programs).
Growth, innovation and alignment to COEX’s vision (10 points)

This criterion celebrates operators who take initiative, keep improving, and stay strongly focused on the scheme’s purpose. Judges will assess how the operator has contributed to the vision that “no container goes to waste”, including:

  • growth in container volumes or expansion of services
  • partnerships that increase collection opportunities or improve return access
  • improvements in operational performance, like new technologies or innovative practices
  • external recognition (e.g. awards, media coverage) reflecting their leadership and excellence.
Change Maker of the Year criteria

This award honours the standout finalist, someone whose contribution goes above and beyond expectations to show real leadership, innovation, and impact across the Containers for Change network. The judges  considered how the finalist has:

  • driven impact well beyond their own site
  • inspired others through their example
  • demonstrated exceptional commitment to Containers for Change
  • shown leadership through innovation, problem solving or continuous improvement
  • achieved positive outcomes reflecting their businesses’ scale, capacity and service style.