Big change: Nambour depot drives community impact

The team: from left, Ash Graham, Mark Harvey, Steve Markham, Jason Irwin and Jade Goodingham.The team: from left, Ash Graham, Mark Harvey, Steve Markham, Jason Irwin and Jade Goodingham.

This year marks five years in business for Nambour’s Containers for Change depot in Burnside, and despite dramatically increasing costs the business has grown in leaps and bounds according to owner, Jason Irwin.

“We now have wonderful regulars from all around the hinterland, and we are meeting new customers every day,” he said. 

“Some are even coming from as far as Caloundra, I think because we offer friendly drive through service and a very fast processing time. People don’t have to get out of their car and many of our customers appreciate that.”

Since it’s opening, Jason has made a number of upgrades to the facility, including a fast counting and processing machine from Denmark. “It is a sophisticated piece of equipment and it makes a huge difference to our processing time,” he said.

Jason said the Containers for Change  business model offered solid opportunities for fundraising. “We have been able to assist organisations like Smart Pups, Nambour Special School, Mapleton Men’s Shed, Burnside High School, Nambour State College, Good Samaritan Catholic College, Mapleton State School, and the Twin Waters and Maroochy Waters Golf Clubs to raise money for various projects,” Jason said.

Jason has also been happy to provide many local jobs, something that had always been a high priority. “This was at the forefront of what I wanted to do because it is an issue very close to my heart,” he said.

“I have had young people here from all walks of life, many of whom are now on a trajectory that they would not have believed possible for themselves. When they start I tell all of them the same thing, and that is I will give them an opportunity for two weeks, but whether they secure the job is up to them. I have been blown away by their determination and when I see them coming in to work, proud and purposeful, I can’t tell you how gratifying that is.”

Jason said the work was hard and in the heat of summer shed temperatures can get up to 42C. In an average day, staff walk about 10kms each around the depot. “It would be easy to quit,” he said. “The environment for business in general is tough right now, but seeing the way this business can create positive and lasting change in our community certainly makes the challenges worthwhile.”

• Containers for Change Nambour is at 7/1 Windsor Rd, Burnside, and is open 7 days.