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Change Maker Awards 2026

Congratulations to the winners of this year’s Change Maker Awards

Four outstanding operators have taken the titles of Small, Medium and Large Operator of the Year – and the stand-out finalist – the Change Maker of the Year. 

This year’s winners are excellent examples of businesses that make our network so successful. 

Small Operator of the Year

This award recognised small operators who achieved exceptional results, often with limited resources and lean teams. Despite their size, these businesses made a significant impact in their communities through dedication, innovation and a strong commitment to service. 

The judges were particularly impressed by the resilience, innovation and a strong community focus demonstrated by this year’s nominees. Their efforts show that size is no barrier to making a meaningful difference.

WINNER: Torres Shire Council Containers for Change

Operating in the northern-most area of Queensland, the Torres Shire Council Containers for Change team have had to overcome significant logistical challenges.  

This included packing processed containers into dry goods containers, meeting stringent biosecurity requirements by freezing them and shipping them by sea to Cairns for processing. 

The judges noted the complex and remote environment they operate in across Thursday Island, Horn Island and a number of outer islands.  

Despite this, they’ve: 

  • shown strong safety performance 
  • improved local access to the scheme 
  • provided community education and engagement 
  • delivered environmental and social benefits. 

Image: COEX Interim CEO Trevor Evans with Daniel Barron, Torres Shire Council

Medium Operator of the Year

This year’s medium operator category attracted an exceptionally strong field, showcasing the breadth, capability and dedication of operators right across Queensland. The judges were impressed by the high standard of submissions, with nominees demonstrating excellence in customer service, community engagement, operational performance and innovation.  

WINNER: Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange

Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange has built a reputation for making a genuine difference—not only through operational excellence, but through the relationships they have forged with customers, community organisations and commercial partners. Their dedicated Partner program includes tailored onboarding, educational support and collection solutions. Detailed reporting allows customers to see their environmental impact, the number of containers returned and funds raised. 

This has resulted in an increased container turnover in the last 12 months, with collections from schools, sports clubs, aged care facilities, hospitality venues and even Virgin Australia.  

They use media creatively; running competitions, organising giveaways and educational campaigns. With strong five-star reviews, they were also named as a finalist in the 2025 Brisbane City Council WasteSMART Awards.  

Image: COEX Interim CEO Trevor Evans with Nick Appleton and Michael Talbot, Sandgate Bottle & Can Exchange

Large Operator of the Year

The Large Operator category was hotly contested this year, with only one point separating the top two finalists. The calibre of this year’s entries demonstrates what can be achieved when strong operational performance is matched with a commitment to people, safety and community. 

This category recognised organisations delivering excellence at scale while maintaining high standards of safety, customer service and engagement. Operating across multiple locations and serving thousands of Queenslanders, these businesses play a vital role in the continued success of Containers for Change.  

WINNER: Reef Recycling & Logistics

Established seven years ago, Reef Recycling & Logistics drive–through recycling depot in Townsville is one of the biggest in the state, offering customers speed, safety and convenience.  

They take pride in their professional safety and compliance record, with a deeply-embedded safety culture; involving staff in testing, managing and developing workplace protocols.  

Their latest safety audit reflects this focus – with a 99.53% safety compliance score. The single outstanding action item recorded was resolved in 24-hours.  

Reef Recycling has an ‘end 2 end’ customer service flow which aims to make every visitor feels valued, respected and satisfied with their service.

Image: COEX Interim CEO Trevor Evans with Tom Wark, Network Lead for North Queensland (collected on behalf of Reef Recycling & Logistics)

Change Maker of the Year

The Change Maker of the Year Award recognises the organisation that has demonstrated outstanding leadership, innovation, operational excellence and impact across the Containers for Change network. It is awarded to the operator that, in the view of the judges, best embodies the values and aspirations of our scheme and sets the benchmark for others to follow. 

WINNER: Express Recycling Queensland

Since opening its first depot in Clontarf in 2019, Express Recycling Queensland has built a network of seven refund points and five bag drops across south-east Queensland and Hervey Bay. This independently-owned operator has scaled up through their strong operational performance, community engagement and strategic partnerships.  

With 82 staff across the network, Express Recycling contributes to local employment opportunities with strong local leadership and accountability. Its three core pillars are customer service, safety and cleanliness.  

Express Rrecycling partners with community organisations which share their values, like Woodfordia, Hearts of Purple and Variety Queensland. They have also developed strong relationships with stadiums, Village Roadshow and venues like the Star, Gold Coast. 

The judges said their commitment to operational excellence, community engagement and continuous growth, meant Express Recycling Queensland exemplifies what it means to be a true Change Maker. 

Image: COEX Chair Andrew Clark with Paul Mullen and Dion Lawrence, Express Recycling

Runners-up

The judges of this year’s awards were impressed by the number and breadth of entries received this year. With a number of nominated businesses scoring highly, the final results were very close. In each category, there were several worthy potential winners and a high standard of entrants.  

Small Operator of the Year: Gympie Green Solutions

Founded in 2025, Gympie Green Solutions is a not-for-profit social enterprise which creates open employment for people facing barriers to work. Their dual mission is to divert resources from landfill.  

As well as having a highly-accessible drive-through CRP in Gympie, they have an automated bag drop service, free weekly home and commercial collection services and mobile services. They provide services to Kilkivan, Glenwood, Rainbow Beach and Imbil, which didn’t previously have access to the scheme.  

They plans to introduce an RVM in the near future, allowing them to hire people with learning difficulties or intellectual disabilities who have problems counting containers.  

Medium Operator of the Year: Toowoomba’s Containers for Cash 

Opening in North Toowoomba in 2021 and Harristown in 2022, this team provides state of the art, undercover facilities seven days a week, home collections and 24-hour bag drops.  

Their key focus is on cleanliness and providing service with a smile, and they recently installed a huge widescreen TV at their depot to provide education and entertainment for customers while they wait. 

They have strong partnerships within the community, steady growth and an emphasis on educating students through local schools. 

Large Operator of the Year: MAMS Group’s Redeem Team Idalia 

Operating across North Queensland since 2018, MAMS Group has continued to invest in infrastructure and grow their footprint across the north of the state. Their sites in Innisfail, Tully, Ingham and Idalia, service communities from Mirriwinni in the north to Alligator Creek in the south.  

Safety and compliance are central to their work; they have a past Change Maker Award for Safety and participation in COEX’s CCA Pilot Audit Program last year, which has strengthened their focus on risk management, accountability and continuous improvement.  

MAMS has a customer-focused approach and a wide range of active partnerships – including with the North Queensland Cowboys.  

 

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Travel allowance
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Judging criteria
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FAQs
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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.