Little eco elites, big green dreams

AS Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) becomes part of everyday life, communities across Victoria’s west are seeing just how far a 10-cent refund can go.

At Gordon Primary School, sustainability is not just something students learn about in the classroom. It’s something they practice every day.

For the past 12 months, the school has been collecting eligible drink containers with the students in the Eco Elites sustainability club helping sort donations and make sure they are eligible.

The effort is being supported not only by families but by the wider community too, with bulk container donations coming from the Gordon Hotel and residents.

Teacher and Eco Elites coordinator Krystal Conlan said every contribution is helping the school turn recycling into environmental outcomes. “Every donation whether it be containers or donated refunds is much appreciated,” she said.

“We are raising money to undertake environmental initiatives around the school; this year we hope to upgrade our classroom recycling bins as well as build a new edible garden area.”

West Zone network operator, TOMRA Cleanaway general manager Victoria Tony Catania said: “Programs like Gordon Primary’s Eco Elites show how small actions can build stronger schools and communities and make a lasting difference.”

Across Moorabool, more than 15 million containers have been returned through CDS Vic since it launched in November 2023, putting more than $1.5 million back into the pockets of local residents, clubs and organisations.

Return your eligible containers at one of the three refund points across Moorabool. Select Gordon Primary as your donation recipient via the CDS Vic West App. Find your nearest CDS Vic return point at cdsvic.org.au/locations

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