“Celebrating NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for TOMRA Cleanaway to honour the rich history, culture and achievements of First Nations people. Our commitment to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander charities is unwavering, and we believe in fostering strong partnerships and engaging deeply with communities to support initiatives, encourage inclusivity, and contribute to sustainable development.”
“TOMRA Cleanaway is proud to support KARI empowering Aboriginal people with meaningful, ongoing employment opportunities through our CDS Vic West Zone Depots in Melton and Coburg North. Our commitment to Reconciliation goes beyond words; we actively participate in and advocate for programs that empower and uplift Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.”
James Dorney, CEO TOMRA Cleanaway
‘Caring for Country Together’
TOMRA Cleanaway is proud to celebrate NAIDOC Week highlighting our ongoing commitment to fostering partnerships with First Nations communities. As one of just 2,400 organisations nationally endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, TOMRA Cleanaway’s commitment reflects our continuous dedication to reconciliation and the empowerment of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
Our initiatives in Victoria’s container deposit scheme CDS Vic, are a testament to the positive outcomes of these partnerships. As the operator for the CDS Vic West Zone, TOMRA Cleanaway has two depots, located in Melton and Coburg North, operated by KARI, an Aboriginal not-for-profit community organisation. KARI’s dedication to improving the lives of First Nations people aligns with our mission, creating a partnership that drives change in western Victoria.
The two CDS depots operated by KARI boast an 80% Aboriginal employment rate, providing meaningful job opportunities and fostering economic empowerment within the community. This partnership showcases how culture and community-driven initiatives can lead to substantial positive impacts.
In alignment with our Reconciliation activities, TOMRA Cleanaway has developed a bespoke piece of artwork in collaboration with Aboriginal artist Rhonda Sampson. Titled ‘Caring for Country Together,’ this artwork embodies the ethic that guides our efforts across the organisation. We are committed to environmental stewardship and respect for the cultural connection First Nations peoples have with the land.
In the CDS Vic West Zone operated by TOMRA Cleanaway, a number of Aboriginal charities, community groups and organisations are registered as donation partners, embracing the opportunity to use the CDS Vic West Zone app as a fundraising tool. We encourage the community of the West Zone to consider donating their 10 cent refunds to these organisations and help support the positive work they do in supporting the Aboriginal communities:
- Winda-Mara Aboriginal Corporation in Hamilton – Raising funds towards the Winda-Mara Community Basketball Court
- The Shara Clarke Aboriginal Culture and Education Centre in Purnim – Assisting Families in Need at the Shara Clarke Centre
- Djirra – Supporting Aboriginal Women Experiencing Family Violence
- Victorian Aboriginal Health Service – VAHS Service the Community
Central Pillar of our RAP Artwork – TOMRA Cleanaway
There are over 180 TOMRA Cleanaway operated refund points across the West Zone, providing plenty of opportunity for the community to refund their eligible bottles, cans and cartons for 10c per eligible item and make their positive change.
Download the CDS Vic West Zone app to find your local refund point.
