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Cleanaway releases ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-27 

Cleanaway releases ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan 2025-27 

Cleanaway launches ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027

Communities - Our People

June 3, 2025

Highlights

“Congratulations Cleanaway on your Innovate RAP and I look forward to following your ongoing reconciliation journey.” Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia

Highlights

“Congratulations Cleanaway on your Innovate RAP and I look forward to following your ongoing reconciliation journey.” Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia

Cleanaway has taken the next step in its reconciliation journey, launching its ‘Innovate’ Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) 2025-2027.

The business celebrated with launch events in Victoria (Bunurong), New South Wales (Dharug), Queensland (Turrbal) and Western Australia (Whadjuk) during National Reconciliation Week (NRW), where Cleanaway teams were encouraged to strengthen our nation through respectful relationships between the wider Australian community, and First Nations peoples. These events welcomed local Elders, community members, customers and Cleanaway team members.

Mark Schubert, CEO and Managing Director of Cleanaway explained: “At the heart of our RAP is a commitment to learn from the stories of the Original Custodians of Australia.

“We will continue working together with First Nations communities to help make Cleanaway a place where we all understand, recognise and respect the peoples, cultures and heritages of our nation.”

Pictured from left to right at a launch event in Victoria (Bunurong): Mark Schubert, Cleanaway CEO and MD; Chris Avramopoulos, Cleanaway RAP Co-Chair and Exec GM Customer and Growth, Uncle Mick (Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation); Phil Micallef (Cleanaway Regional Manager Solids VIC), Eric (Bunurong Land Council Aboriginal Corporation); and Jade Paterson (Cleanaway Head of People and Culture).

Cleanaway is one of 3,000 organisations making a continued reconciliation commitment through its RAP, which aligns perfectly with this year’s NRW theme: #BridgingNowtoNext. This reflects the ongoing connection between past, present and future, urging people to look ahead and push forward with reconciliation, guided by lessons of the past.

Cleanaway gains strength from its diverse team across Australia. It welcomes and celebrates people from different backgrounds, cultures and experiences, including around 265 First Nations colleagues.

“One of our core RAP commitments is to ensure Cleanaway is a workplace of choice that is welcoming, safe, inclusive and rewarding for First Nations peoples to develop their careers,” explained Mr Schubert.

This involves advancing cultural education, awareness, and protocols within the organisation in practical and accessible ways. The business is also embedding procurement processes and opportunities to help First Nations businesses thrive through direct investment and building supply chains.

Cleanaway works with customers, partners, communities, governments and industries to lead the way in Australia’s circular economy, striving to be the most sustainable ‘waste as a resource’ company.

“Our operational presence spans 330+ locations across the nation,” said Mr Schubert.

“It’s our responsibility to continue to care for those lands and work with First Nations communities to find better, more innovative ways to make a sustainable future possible together.”

This is a collective responsibility, underpinned by Cleanaway’s active and passionate RAP Working Group which includes Executive Sponsors, First Nations representatives and team members from across Cleanaway.

Aboriginal management consulting firm, Everywhen Group is a valued Cleanaway partner, supporting this work through ongoing cultural expertise and guidance. This helps shape Cleanaway’s reconciliation journey, informing strategy and action that aligns with First Nations perspectives and aspirations.

“Gaining experience and reflecting on pertinent learnings will ensure the sustainability of Cleanaway’s future RAPs and reconciliation initiatives, providing meaningful impact toward Australia’s reconciliation journey,” said Karen Mundine, CEO of Reconciliation Australia.

“Congratulations Cleanaway on your Innovate RAP and I look forward to following your ongoing reconciliation journey.”

More information:

Cleanaway acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the lands on which we operate and the communities in which we exist. We pay our respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. We are proud to pay our respect to Elders past, present and future for they hold the traditions and cultures, and together we hold the hopes of a truly reconciled Australia.

 

Cleanaway’s RAP artwork is designed by Marcus Lee, a proud Aboriginal descendant of the Karajarri people from Northwestern Australia. It represents Cleanaway’s commitment to a sustainable circular economy, and our deep respect for the lands, oceans, and waterways of Australia.

 

What’s motivating us to recycle?

What’s motivating us to recycle?

Our data reveals two main themes driving us to recycle.

Communities - Learning

July 2, 2024

Highlights

So, what’s the top reason we recycle?

Highlights

So, what’s the top reason we recycle?

The reasons we recycle are as diverse as they are compelling. Cleanaway’s 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report dives deep into these motivations, revealing not only why we do it but how we could do it better.

This year, our data reveals two main themes driving us to recycle; a genuine desire to help the environment and the practical benefits of saving or making money.

Environmental commitment

So, what’s the top reason we recycle? 75 per cent of us say it’s to help the environment. This is a significant shift from last year’s top reason ‘it’s the right thing to do’.

This change suggests Australians are now recognising the tangible impact our recycling efforts can have on the environment, rather than just following societal norms.

It’s encouraging to see the majority of Australians care deeply about recycling and are motivated by the difference their actions can make.

The power of incentives

When asked what would help Australians recycle more, 40 per cent of Australians answered incentives.

One familiar example is the Container Deposit Scheme, where Australians can receive 10c back for returning eligible drink containers such as cans and bottles. The scheme not only reduces litter, but keeps our recycling streams free from contamination, so our containers can be turned into new products within a circular economy.

Nearly half of Australians in eligible states say they have used a Container Deposit Scheme, with financial incentives being the biggest motivator, followed by wanting to benefit the environment.

Interestingly, the rebate for items from 10c to 20c would be the most motivating factor for increased participation according to participants of the survey.

Cost of living concerns

In our survey, the cost of living emerged as a higher concern than climate change, but recycling can offer benefits for both the environment and the hip-pocket.

About 60 per cent of people report they buy second-hand and 65 per cent sell second-hand goods rather than discarding them.

Additionally, 86 per cent of us use reusable shopping bags most or every time, which saves money too.

While some of our cost-saving actions can be counterproductive, such as buying cheaper items that may not be made from recyclable materials, it’s encouraging to see a widespread mindset of re-using and recycling among Australians.

Addressing labelling confusion

Confusion about recycling is another barrier that needs addressing, as indicated in our survey. Clearer product labelling and consistent information were two of three top factors that respondents indicated would help them recycle more. We encourage Australians to seek out reliable resources, always check before discarding of waste in kerbside bins, and stay updated with new recycling initiatives.

Cleanaway offers educational resources like the Greenius Learning Portal, and Recycling Hub with a glossary of common household items to help everyone recycle correctly and confidently.

By understanding and leveraging these motivations, we can enhance our recycling efforts, benefitting both the environment and our communities.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report

For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.

Some take aways for your takeaway meal packaging

Some take aways for your takeaway meal packaging

Here’s what to do after you’ve enjoyed your takeaway meal

Communities - Learning

Highlights

Ordering takeaway food or meal deliveries comes with recycling challenges for many of us.

Cleanaway’s 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report revealed that many of us don’t know which bin to use for takeaway food packaging products.

Here’s what to do with common items once you’ve enjoyed your meal or drink.

Plastic containers

Our report found a quarter (27 per cent) of Australians are putting the clear plastic takeaway containers, which often contain meals such as noodles or curries, in the general waste bin, when they are in fact recyclable.

Even if these containers are split or cracked, they can still be placed in the recycling bin, as long as they are free from food.

By recycling these materials, we can play our role in closing the loop on the lifecycle of packaging materials and reduce our reliance on virgin plastics, or products that use greater environmental resources.

If the container differs from clear plastic takeaway packaging check with your local council to determine if that material is accepted in kerbside recycling.

Paper drink cup

Beverages that come in paper drink cups, such as soft drinks from fast food restaurants, are a challenge for more than half of us. It turns out 58 per cent incorrectly place these in the recycling bin, instead of general waste while just under a third of people know which bin is correct to use.

Coffee cups are another item that leaves us wondering.

Nearly half of Australians surveyed as part of our Recycling Behaviours Report are still placing takeaway coffee cups into the recycling bin. Similar to paper takeaway drink cups, coffee cups cannot be placed in the kerbside recycling bin, as the plastic lining in them means they can’t be recycled. We encourage people to bring a reusable coffee cup where possible instead of using disposable cups at all!

How clean does it need to be?

Do I rinse it? Do I need to wash it? Can I recycle it as-is?

We recommend rinsing containers to remove as much food as possible and have it reasonably dry before placing them in the bin with other recyclables.

Residual food waste, especially grease, can cause a material to become unrecyclable and lead to contamination so the simple step of a quick rinse is important. Food waste goes into the food organics bin if you have one in your area, otherwise you could start your own home compost.

By educating ourselves on how to recycle items that transport our takeaway, we can minimise our environmental impact and work towards a more sustainable future.

Visit Cleanaway’s Greenius Learning Portal to learn more on what can and can’t be put in your kerbside bins.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report
For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.

 

Is that a recycling symbol? Determining the difference between labels and other codes

Is that a recycling symbol? Determining the difference between labels and other codes

Confused about recycling labels? We're here to help.

Communities - Learning

Highlights

The easiest place to start is with the Plastic Identification Code system.

Highlights

The easiest place to start is with the Plastic Identification Code system.

‘Can this be recycled?’ is a question many of us have asked ourselves before putting something in the bin. Cleanaway’s recent Recycling Behaviors Report revealed many of us are stumped when it comes to proper waste disposal practices, with more than a quarter of us say we find recycling confusing, and 2 in 5 say clearer product labeling would help them to recycle more.

Understanding the codes

The easiest place to start is with the Plastic Identification Code system. Represented by a triangular symbol with a number inside, this code categorises plastics based on their chemical composition. Shockingly, our recent data revealed around 80 percent of people mistakenly identify this code as a recycling symbol.

These codes indicate the type of plastic used, aiding in sorting and recycling processes, as opposed to telling us it can be recycled. While Codes 1 and 2 are universally accepted in general recycling bins, the acceptance of other symbols varies depending on local councils. For example, Code 4 (LDPE or Low-Density Polyethylene) indicates a soft plastic and is not accepted in kerbside recycling.

Read the fine print

When disposing of items, it’s crucial to not only recognise these symbols but to also read any accompanying text on packaging.

Certain materials, like aluminum cans, steel tins, rigid plastics, paper, cardboard, and glass that have held food or drink, are universally accepted in recycling bins. However, it’s important to never assume. Just because something is made from recycled material doesn’t guarantee it can be recycled again.

Consult your local council

If you’re unsure about recycling symbols or instructions, consult your local council for guidance. Their websites offer comprehensive information on recycling protocols, including accepted materials in your area.

Quick tips for recycling right

• Check for the recycling symbol: Look for the universal recycling symbol on packaging.
• Read labels: Packaging often provides instructions on how to dispose of different components.
• Know your plastics: Remember, only certain plastics (like Codes 1 and 2) are widely accepted.
• When in doubt, check: If you’re uncertain, your local council’s website can be a valuable resource.

By following these simple principles, you can make more informed choices that contribute to a healthier environment and a more sustainable future.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report
For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.

 

So what really happens to our recycling?

So what really happens to our recycling?

We’re here to explain the process materials undergo at our facilities and the new life they can take on.

Communities - Learning

Highlights

We can all play a part in ensuring recycling outcomes are maximised by putting items in the right bins and helping avoid contamination.

Highlights

We can all play a part in ensuring recycling outcomes are maximised by putting items in the right bins and helping avoid contamination.

Cleanaway’s 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report revealed that 2 in 5 Australians don’t trust that their waste will be properly recycled and 18 per cent incorrectly believe that everything just goes to landfill (and therefore nothing is recycled).

We’re here to explain the process materials undergo at our facilities and the new life they can take on.

The contents of the commingled or recycling bin is taken by Cleanaway to sorting facilities called Material Recovery Facilities (MRFs). There, items are separated by material – paper, cardboard, plastic, glass, steel, and aluminium.

Machinery such as optical scanners and conveyor belts are used alongside manual sorting by staff to separate different materials.

Once the sorting process is complete, the material is sent on to reputable onshore and offshore recyclers to be reused in manufacturing new products. Here, we explain what happens to each material, and the new life we can expect.

Paper recycling

Paper is shredded and mixed with water to create pulp, followed by de-inking, a process which removes ink from the original product. The pulp then goes on to be manufactured into new paper products.

You may have seen products such as printing paper, toilet paper, and cardboard packaging made from recycled materials available to purchase.

Plastic recycling

Plastics are shredded into pellets, which become the building blocks for new plastic items when used in the manufacture of new products.
Container Deposit Scheme’s across the country play a role contributing to ‘bottle to bottle’ recycling. The pellets, derived from the recycled bottles, are small plastic pieces that can be used to create new bottles from, such as those produced through Circular Plastics Australia (PET) a joint venture between Pact Group Holdings Ltd, Cleanaway, Asahi Beverages, Coca-Cola Euro-pacific Partners.

Aside from bottles, the pellets can also be turned into flakes where they can then produce other items such as polar fleece jackets and stationery.

Steel and aluminium recycling

You might have aluminium cans at home and wonder what happens when they’re placed into a recycling bin with plastics, or returned via a Container Deposit Scheme.

Steel can easily be sorted from other recyclable materials with the help of industrial-scale magnets at facilities. Steel can be melted down at high temperatures, and paint and coatings are removed. They then become processed into ingots, which are blocks of pure material.

The recycled aluminium and steel ingots could be turned into a new can, or even used to make parts for cars and aeroplanes.

Glass recycling

Glass is often the last material to remain on a recycling conveyor belt for a variety of reasons.

Lighter materials are generally sorted first and being denser than many other recyclables like plastic and paper, it is easier to handle glass later in the process. Furthermore, glass can break easily and pose a safety hazard to staff, so specialist equipment is required.

Once separated from other materials, glass items such as bottles and jars are crushed at facilities and undergo a cleaning process to remove labels, caps and remaining liquids.

The glass is then melted at a high temperature and can be formed into new products such as glass bottles with high-grade material, and road bases with lower-grade material.

Outcomes

The above are examples of closing the recycling loop and helping work toward a circular economy in Australia, where needing to use new virgin materials is avoided.

Cleanaway is a big contributor to resource recovery in Australia, and in the 2023 financial year, we have recovered 431 kilo tonnes (kt) of paper, and 32 kt of steel and aluminium.

To give you an idea of the scale of these amounts, 1 kilo tonne = 1,000,000 kilos, or the weight of two and a half large commercial airplanes, showing the power of recycling correctly to preserve precious resources and prevent materials ending up in landfill.

We can all play a part in ensuring recycling outcomes are maximised by putting items in the right bins and helping avoid contamination.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report

For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.

Five surprising everyday items we don’t know how to recycle

Five surprising everyday items we don’t know how to recycle

According to Cleanaway’s 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report, over a quarter of us find recycling confusing and when asked about them, certain common items remain particularly perplexing.

Communities - Learning

Highlights

By learning the correct way to recycle or dispose of everyday items, we can all make a sustainable future possible together.

Highlights

By learning the correct way to recycle or dispose of everyday items, we can all make a sustainable future possible together.

In our quest to live sustainably, recycling has become an essential part of daily life. We dutifully separate paper from plastic and glass from metal, striving to be responsible recyclers.

However, despite our best efforts, some everyday items still leave us scratching our heads. According to Cleanaway’s 2024 Recycling Behaviours Report, over a quarter of us find recycling confusing and when asked about them, certain common items remain particularly perplexing.

To set the record straight, we uncovered five such items and shed light on the correct way to recycle or dispose of them.

Mobile phones

Mobile phones are indispensable in modern life, but what do you do when it’s time for an upgrade? Surprisingly, our Recycling Behaviours Report revealed that almost a quarter of us don’t know that batteries and rechargeable devices, including mobile phones, shouldn’t go in kerbside bins.

These devices contain valuable materials like gold, silver and copper that can be extracted and reused. Proper recycling reduces waste, conserves precious resources, and prevents battery fires in waste facilities.

To recycle your old phone, visit major tech retailers like Optus, Telstra, and Vodafone. Alternatively, if you’re hoarding a few phones or tech items like laptops and tablets, use Mobile Muster’s free delivery service through Australia Post.

Takeaway coffee cups

For many, takeaway coffee cups are a morning necessity, but did you know they aren’t recyclable? According to the report, nearly half of Aussies mistakenly toss their cups in the recycling bin when they belong in general waste.

The paper exterior is often lined with plastic to stop the liquid seeping through. It’s very difficult for recycling facilities to separate the layers of the cup, which means it can’t be recycled. If placed in a recycling bin, it’ll be rejected as contaminated waste and go to landfill.

Always opt for your general waste bin, or better yet, switch to a reusable coffee cup to reduce your environmental impact and save yourself the confusion.

Soft plastics

Soft plastics, such as plastic bags, ice cream wrappers, pasta packets, and cling wrap, are commonly used but pose a significant recycling challenge. Unlike many types of hard plastics that can be recycled through our facilities, soft plastics require specialised processing. With 40 per cent of people unsure how to correctly dispose of soft plastics, the current advice is to place them in general waste.

In a recent development, Cleanaway has partnered with Viva Energy Australia to develop a sustainable solution for soft plastics. The joint venture hopes to provide a sustainable solution for soft plastics, helping food manufacturers and packaging specialists cater to the growing environmentally conscious market. It would also provide households and businesses with an alternative to sending these materials to landfill.

For now, opt for paper bags at the supermarket and avoid plastic-wrapped produce when you can.

Paint cans

Renovating your home often leaves you with a pile of paint cans. While the metal components are recyclable, leftover paint can contaminate groundwater and soil. This means the 17 per cent of Aussies placing them in general waste are making a mistake. To recycle paint cans, drop them off at local community recycling centres, check with your local council or visit a Paintback collection point to safely recycle of them.

Packing styrofoam

Styrofoam, or expanded polystyrene foam, is commonly used in packaging to protect fragile items during shipping. Styrofoam is not recyclable and when disposed of incorrectly into commingled waste stream, it can break into small pieces that stick to paper and cardboard and cause further contamination.

However, local drop-off points that handle styrofoam recycling responsibly can be found through your local council. Processors can be used to melt down the material to create new products like outdoor furniture, decking, picture frames, and skirting boards.

By learning the correct way to recycle or dispose of everyday items, we can all make a sustainable future possible together.

To find out what other waste items you might be getting tripped up on, visit Cleanaway’s Greenius Learning Portal.

Cleanaway’s Recycling Behaviours Report
For the fourth year running, Cleanaway and the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) have conducted research into Australians’ recycling behaviours. These valuable insights on everyday recycling challenges help shape Cleanaway’s priorities when empowering Australians in their recycling decisions.

Since 2017, the CEFC has been working with Cleanaway to support waste education efforts, such as the Recycling Behaviours Report. Through this investment, Cleanaway and the CEFC aim to reduce waste going to landfill and create a sustainable future for Australians.

Melbourne Regional Landfill Community Benefit Fund $50,000 – Round 5

Melbourne Regional Landfill Community Benefit Fund $50,000 – Round 5

Cleanaway is proud to launch Round 5 of it’s annual $50,000 Community Benefit Fund to support projects that enhance the local environment and/or promote health and well-being in the community - Round 5

Communities

March 11, 2024

Highlights

These five worthy groups have a huge impact on the communities in Melbourne’s west and we’re proud to contribute funds to help them continue providing support and engagement programs.

Tags: Priority SDG
Highlights

These five worthy groups have a huge impact on the communities in Melbourne’s west and we’re proud to contribute funds to help them continue providing support and engagement programs.

Melbourne Regional Landfill – Community Benefit Fund

Cleanaway’s $50,000 Community Benefit Fund was launched in 2019 and is provided annually to fund sustainability projects that support environmental regeneration, recycling programs and community well-being.

We know that great communities are connected to each other and the environment that they live in. The biggest difference we can make is to empower local communities to take care of their environment, encourage resource recovery and promote sustainability.

Round 5 of Cleanaway’s annual $50,000 MRL Community Benefit Fund was launched in February 2024. Now in its fifth year, our grants program has provided $250,000 of funding to diverse community groups across the west of Melbourne, enabling welfare support, community health and connectivity and sports participation.

Congratulations to our Round 5 grant recipients:

1. Caroline Chisholm Society in Caroline Springs VIC

2. Country Fire Authority (CFA) in Rockbank VIC

3. Caroline Springs Scouts Centre in Burnside Heights VIC

4. FareShare Kitchen in Derrimut VIC

5. St Kilda Mum’s in Brimbank and Melton VIC

6. Western Emergency Relief Network in Ravenhall VIC

Proudly partnering with our local community to help us make a sustainable future possible together.

If you have a great initiative that will make a difference to your local community, please contact Olga Ghiri on 0478316237 or email  olga.ghiri@cleanaway.com.au to find out how you can apply for Round 6 funding in 2025.


Our Previous Grant Recipients.

All grant recipients are assessed against a range of criteria and selected on the merits of their project and benefit to the local community.

Cleanaway is proud to award $50,000 of grants to seven community groups across the West of Melbourne, funded through our Melbourne Regional Landfill Community Benefit Fund – Round 4.Launched in 2019, our annual grants support a range of community well-being projects in the local area enabling welfare support, community connectivity, waste reduction and sports participation.

Congratulations to our Round 4 grant recipients:

  • Aintree Scout Group
  • Burnside Heights Football Club
  • Caroline Chisholm Society
  • Caroline Springs Cricket Club
  • Caroline Springs Football Club
  • Fareshare
  • Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN)

The recipients were selected by a review panel consisting of Councillors from Melton City Council and Brimbank City Council and Cleanaway’s Stakeholder and Community Engagement Manager, Olga Ghiri.

Olga said of the fund: “Cleanaway is delighted to provide funding for local initiatives that enhance community health and well-being. These community groups have a tremendous positive impact in their local area and we’re proud to support them to enable them to continue to support their local community through a range of programs.”

Aintree Scout Group – The Aintree Scout Group provides services to youth aged 5-15 in Melton, Taylors Hill and Caroline Springs. Our funding will support the secure storage and IT infrastructure costs required to safeguard their equipment inside their new hall after construction is completed.

Burnside Heights Football Club – Burnside Heights Football Club, also known as The Bears, is a community-based Australian Rules football club with a strong emphasis on junior player development. Our funding will enable them to run off-season fitness and training programs to keep youths active beyond the usual footy season, over summer.

Caroline Chisholm Society – Caroline Chisholm Society provides support to pregnant women and parents of young children. The Society provides a range of programs for families in need, including counselling, housing, material aid, and maternal and child health assessments.

Cleanaway’s funding for the Caroline Chisholm Society will go towards running costs, practitioners, clinical supervision, and providing material aid to vulnerable women and children.

Caroline Springs Cricket Club – Funding will support the club’s development of the next generation of female cricketers and aims to increase the success of their 2022-2023 season with the best possible resources and assistance for their young female players.

Caroline Springs Football Club – Our grant will enable the club to upgrade its sound system to improve capacity for larger community events and club functions, as well as hosting community fund raising events for Breast Cancer and the Big Cancer Morning Tea.

FareShare Kitchen in Derrimut – FareShare runs Victoria’s largest charity kitchens in Derrimut and Abbotsford. They collect donations of surplus nutritious food from businesses and their chefs supervise more than 150 volunteers to cook thousands of appealing healthy meals. The meals are distributed for free to many charities supporting people who are unable to cook meals for themselves and their family.

Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) – The WERN community aid program is run by Rotary Clubs across the West of Melbourne, collecting and redistributing second-hand furniture, bedding, electrical and whitegoods to assist refugees, victims of domestic violence, homelessness and mental health.

WERN assists an average of forty families each month and has more than 360 accredited case managers dedicated to delivering support services to people in need.

If you have a great initiative that will make a difference, please contact Olga Ghiri on 0478316237 or email olga.ghiri@cleanaway.com.au to find out how you can apply for Round 5 funding in 2023.

Caroline Springs Community Garden – a local residents groups will convert a barren plot of land in Caroline Springs into a Community Garden and provide educational workshops to encourage community participation in tree planting, composting, garden and greenhouse construction.

Hillside Football Club – our grant will subsidise the purchase of uniforms for two new female teams in 2022 and encourage more female participation and development in AFL football.

Lions Club Taylors Lakes – the club will construct a new Community Garden in Taylors Lakes and will call on local residents to volunteer to learn about garden construction, local fauna, planting and sustainable horticulture.

Refugee Migrant Children Centre – an education program for teachers to help them engage with recently resettled refugees, migrants and asylum seeker children aged 5-7 years, to encourage parents and guardians to participate in the school community and their children’s learning.

Western Region Football League – co-funding a Multicultural Development Hub targeting Vietnamese, Chinese, Maltese and Indian youth aged 10-16 to join AFL football. The program will replicate a successful multi-cultural AFL program rolled out in the City of Greater Dandenong.

Caroline Chisholm Society – provides support to pregnant women and parents of young children. The Society provides a range of programs for families in need, including counselling, housing, material aid, and maternal and child health assessments.

Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN) –This community aid program is run by Rotary Clubs across the West of Melbourne, collecting and redistributing second-hand furniture, bedding, electrical and whitegoods to assist refugees, victims of domestic violence, homelessness and mental health.

Western Emergency Relief Network (WERN)

The WERN community aid program is run by Rotary Clubs across the West of Melbourne, collecting and redistributing second-hand furniture, bedding, electrical and whitegoods to assist refugees, victims of domestic violence, homelessness and mental health.WERN assists an average of forty families each month and has more than 360 accredited case managers dedicated to delivering support services to people in need. The program was also one of the recipients in the 2019 MRL Community Benefit Fund.

Burnside Heights Football Club
Burnside Heights Football Club, also known as The Bears, is a community-based Australian Rules football club with a strong emphasis on junior player development.

Due to the shutdown of sport during the COVID-19 pandemic, the club has suffered a lack of income that would normally come from registrations and canteen and merchandise purchases. The grant money will enable The Bears to purchase uniforms for volunteers and provide jackets for players to wear while on the bench.

Caroline Chisholm Society
Caroline Chisholm Society provides support to pregnant women and parents of young children. The Society provides a range of programs for families in need, including counselling, housing, material aid, and maternal and child health assessments.

Cleanaway’s funding for the Caroline Chisholm Society will go towards running costs, practitioners, clinical supervision, and providing material aid to vulnerable women and children.

George Cross Football Club
Established in 1947, George Cross Football Club is a soccer club for players of a variety of ages. The club plays in Victoria’s State League Division 1, a regional, semi-professional league.

The club aims to achieve a better balance of male and female participation in soccer by introducing new female teams. The funding will support upgraded facilities, a new strength and conditioning program, and fully accredited coaches.

Caroline Springs Cricket Club
Caroline Springs Cricket Club was established in 2003 by local parents wanting to support the growing number of junior players looking to play cricket. Since then, the club has grown to include 180 members across six senior teams and 12 junior teams.

Cleanaway’s funding will enable the club to provide specialist coaching programs for its coaching staff.

To learn more about how we’re making a sustainable future possible working with communities across Australia, contact Olga Ghiri, Stakeholder and Community Engagement Manager on olga.ghiri@cleanaway.com.au or 0478 316237.

Cleanaway is committed to our priority SDGs aligned to the UN’s Sustainable Development Goals. We are committed to making cities and human settlements inclusive, safe, resilient and sustainable and we engage with local communities to understand the economic, environmental and social forces that shape Australia’s future needs.

Find out more in our 202 Sustainability Report.

 

Cleanaway’s Clean Up Wrap Up 2024

Cleanaway's Clean Up Wrap Up 2024

Teams from across the country got together to clean up their surrounds.

Communities - Partnerships

March 4, 2024

Highlights

“It was great to make a positive impact for the environment and we also had the opportunity to socialise and learn a little more about each other.”

Highlights

“It was great to make a positive impact for the environment and we also had the opportunity to socialise and learn a little more about each other.”

Cleanaway teams from across the country were up and about in Clean Up events leading up to Clean Up Australia Day, 3rd March 2024.

While teams differed in size and location, each team made an impact in their own way. Apart from doing our bit for the environment, we took the opportunity to strengthen ties and build bonds amongst our teams, customers and the community.

Here are the highlights of our 2024 clean ups:

Queensland

Our small but mighty skips team in Brisbane did their clean up event at the Archerfield Wetlands and surrounds, one of many Cleanaway teams that chose a nearby site to clean up in the days leading up to Clean Up Australia Day, 3 March.

Branch Manager Mark Stevens said, “Great weather and our shared ‘espirit de corps’ made for a winning formula. This suburb, known as Willawong, is an Aboriginal word meaning the junction of two creeks. Fantastic effort by the team and a load full of rubbish was successfully removed out of this beautiful area.”

Our Morningside Container Deposit Scheme (CDS) team headed out early for Clean Up Australia Day before the day got too hot. They then came back to the depot and sorted through the items collected. The team limited what went into general waste and all CDS material found will be donated to a charity of the team’s choice and all cardboard that can be recycled went into the onsite cardboard bin.

Western Australia

It was great day where our WA projects team and mechanics took some rare time out to clean up the site around them. The team collected rubbish along Beach Street and ended up collecting 11 bags of rubbish along the 600m strip!

Administration Officer Elina Craig said, “It was great to make a positive impact for the environment and we also had the opportunity to socialise and learn a little more about each other.”

The IWS team in WA cleaned up the back carpark and public area around the office at Goddard Street. Resource Operations Coordinator Carmen Colley said, “There were only a few of us, but together we made a difference. Tasks are always more fun when you do it with work mates.”

New South Wales

Cleanaway teams at Erskine Park got together for a Clean Up Australia site event where 40 volunteers and 30 bags of rubbish were collected.

The clean up was a collaborative effort involving our Administration, Customer Service, Sales, Finance and Operations teams who targeted our Erskine Park depot and its surrounds. We also made a donation to the Starlight Children’s Foundation as part of the day.

Our Rockdale Transfer Station team diverted from their Kaizen event to gather their gloves and PPE. Together they went out and about to tidy the surrounds of Rockdale Transfer Station.

Members of TOMRA Cleanaway NSW team joined Return and Earn partners from the NSW EPA and Exchange for Change for a Clean Up Australia Day event. The group of 19 volunteers cleaned up at Nurragingy Reserve on Darug Country in the Blacktown City Council LGA.

Our small yet dedicated team in Coffs Harbour came together in collaboration with one of our customers, Coffs Harbour Aboriginal Land Council. We were able to remove a whopping 2.4 tonnes of waste! Accumulated due to illegal dumping, our team helped start the journey to restore the site back to its traditional state.

Victoria 

A group from the St Kilda Road office including members of the marketing and communications, bids and tenders, commercial and legal teams set off with our gloves and garbage bags to clean up Chapel Street. Even CEO Mark Schubert rolled up his sleeves and joined the team for the clean up.

Marketing Manager Jacquelyn Whelan said, “Chapel Street can become quite the party scene at night and this was evident in the type of rubbish we found, with cigarette butts galore and a broken high heel in the bushes. We even found a full instrumental set including a tambourine and maracas!”

2024 marks Cleanaway’s eight year partnering with Clean Up Australia. We are a proud Silver Partner of Clean Up Australia and are committed to making a sustainable future possible together.

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