Recently, our Victorian General Manager Tony Catania and our Victorian Network Development & Compliance Manager, Anna Wells, hit the road to visit some of our wonderful refund point operator partners across the regional West Zone. The trip provided a valuable opportunity for our Victorian management team to connect face-to-face with the passionate individuals, community groups and businesses that help make Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme a success in their local communities.

From hardware stores and fuel stations to community organisations and social enterprises, every stop reinforced the important role our operator partners play in delivering convenient container refunds while generating positive local impact.

A highlight of the tour was their visit to Warracknabeal, where Tony and Anna met Ben Bentley, owner of Bentleys Fuel and several other businesses across the Wimmera region. The team also met Ben’s granddaughter, Jenna, who manages operations at the service station. During the visit, the site’s standalone reverse vending machines proved just how popular they are, with a steady flow of customers returning containers.

Another inspiring stop was with the Dimboola Lions Club, where they met President Paul Lehman and dedicated volunteers Jane Sparling and John Nicols, who coordinate volunteer rosters to support the machine’s operation.

The impact of the Dimboola Lions Club’s participation in the scheme has been remarkable. Recently, the club distributed a further $14,000 in grants to local organisations, with the funds generated entirely through handling fees and community donations received via the refund point. In addition, since January 2025, the club has provided ongoing emergency support to a local wildlife volunteer group caring for animals injured or displaced by bushfires that affected the Dimboola region. Their story is a powerful example of how container refunds can create meaningful benefits well beyond recycling outcomes.

In Horsham, the team visited the AXIS Worx depot, where Bill and Colin welcomed the team and provided a tour of the AXIS Worx facility beyond the CDS Vic Depot. The site manages a wide range of recycling activities, including Wood Worx and E-Worx, and it was fascinating to see the breadth of operations underway.

Highlights included the e-waste processing warehouse, a woodworking area where recovered timber is transformed into garden stakes and woodchips, and the CDS processing area where containers are prepared for refund and recycling. The visit showcased the innovation and commitment that underpin regional recycling operations.

Their visit to Casterton Farm Supplies provided another memorable opportunity to connect with local operators. Anna and Tony caught up with the Gill family, who continue to do an excellent job managing the refund point and ensuring the machine remains available to the community.

It was especially wonderful to see Pat Gill, who joined the team during the visit. Pat was involved in a serious vehicle accident last year and has been undergoing treatment and rehabilitation ever since. Seeing him back on his feet and reconnecting with the team was a special moment for everyone. The business continues to thrive, having recently added Casterton’s only car wash to its services.

While in town, the team also took a brief detour to visit the local tourism office and the iconic Australian Kelpie Centre, celebrating another unique part of regional Victoria’s identity.

Visits like these are a valuable reminder that the success of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme is built on people, partnerships and community spirit. Across every town the team visited they encountered dedicated operators and volunteers who go above and beyond to deliver a positive experience for their communities while contributing to stronger recycling outcomes.

A sincere thank you to all our regional West Zone partners for their hospitality, commitment and ongoing support. We look forward to continuing to work together to create lasting environmental and community benefits across Victoria!

Find your local refund point in the CDS Vic West Zone here – https://tomracleanaway.com.au/victoria/location-finder/