Western Australians at the forefront of recycling efforts have been recognised at the inaugural Change Maker Awards.
The awards, hosted by the State’s container deposit scheme, Containers for Change, celebrate the achievements of refund point operators, community groups and schools.
Containers for Change was launched by the McGowan Government in October 2020 to save recyclable materials from landfill, reduce litter, create employment opportunities, and enable a fundraising stream for charities, community groups and schools.
There are now 253 container refund points throughout the State, operated by a range of businesses and social enterprises.
“Western Australians have embraced Containers for Change, returning hundreds of millions of 10c containers in the first year of operation,” said WA Environment Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson.
“I congratulate each of the 2021 Change Maker Award recipients, finalists and entrants for their passion and dedication to reducing recyclable materials going to landfill, providing employment opportunities and supporting their communities.”
The inaugural Change Maker Awards saw 34 finalists recognised across seven categories.
The top achievement for the evening was the Change Maker of the Year Award, which recognised the refund point that best demonstrated excellence across safety outcomes, customer service, innovation, community engagement and local marketing.
Six of the seven award recipients are based in regional WA, including Avonvalley Cash 4 Containers refund point in Northam which was named Change Maker of the Year.
2021 Change Maker of the Year Award recipients:
Safety – City of Bunbury Refund Point, Bunbury
Customer Focus – Avonvalley Cash 4 Containers, Northam
Innovation – North West Recycling, Karratha
Community Engagement – Good Sammy Enterprises
Local Marketing Initiative – Care for Hedland Environmental Association
Community Participant of the Year – Old Bastards Association, Carnarvon
School of the Year – Borden Primary School, Borden
Change Maker of the Year – Avonvalley Cash 4 Containers, Northam
More information on the Change Maker of the Year and the full list of award recipients and finalists can be found at http://www.containersforchange.com.au/wa/change-maker-awards
