Western Australia's recycling champions have been honoured for their exceptional efforts at this year's Change Maker Awards.
More than 600 guests last night celebrated the achievements of community groups, businesses, schools and refund point operators who have embraced Containers for Change.
Albany Secondary Education Support Centre and MR Refund were named joint winners of the coveted Change Maker of the Year Award.
The awards also saw 26 finalists recognised across eight other categories.
More than 1.67 billion containers have been recycled since Containers for Change was introduced in WA two years ago. The scheme has created 820 jobs, with more than $6.21 million donated to almost 5,000 community groups, charities and schools.
There are now 262 refund points across the State, run by 76 operators.
For the full list of award winners and finalists, visit https://warrrl.com.au/2022-change-maker-awards-gala.
As stated by Environment Minister Reece Whitby:
"I congratulate the winners and finalists who have gone above and beyond in the fight against landfill and are working hard to create change.
"What a fantastic night to acknowledge the dedication of our waste warriors, who are leading the way in reducing, reusing and recycling.
"Western Australians have truly embraced Containers for Change, and it's exciting to see the scheme go from strength to strength."
As stated by Containers for Change CEO Tim Cusack:
"What a year of accomplishments, and we're very proud of all the winners and finalists across our Containers for Change refund network.
"The awards are a great opportunity to acknowledge the meaningful contributions being made to reduce landfill and help community groups across our State."
2022 Change Maker of the Year Award Recipients:
· Community Group or Charity of the Year - Bremer Bay Primary School P&C Association
· School of the Year - Albany Secondary Education Support Centre
· Individual of the Year - Viktor Strizek: Recycleman Perth
· Business of the Year - Freshwater Quality Management
· Volunteer Refund Point Operator of the Year - Newdegate Container Exchange
· Small Refund Point Operator of the Year - Ashburton Aboriginal Corporation
· Medium Refund Point Operator of the Year - MR Refund
· Large Refund Point Operator of the Year - Return It WA
· Change Maker of the Year - Albany Secondary Education Support Centre and MR Refund
