Teen sparks positive change as Nambour tackles trolley trouble together
A Nambour teenager’s school project has prompted Woolworths to introduce new measures to reduce abandoned shopping trolleys across the township.
Fourteen-year-old Liam Thomalla noticed the issue shortly after moving to Nambour, counting 28 stray trolleys in a single trip around town. For a Year 8 Civics and Citizenship assignment, he chose the problem for deeper investigation, focusing on its safety, environmental and community impacts.
In September, Liam wrote to Woolworths outlining the issue through economic, legal, and environmental perspectives supporting practical interventions including coin-operated trolleys, better trolley bays in shared carparks and more frequent collection patrols. “Abandoned trolleys cause problems for our whole community,” he wrote. “They block roads and footpaths, pollute creeks and drains and make streets look neglected.”
His suggestions were escalated to regional and state management, where his initiative and solutions-focused approach were positively received. His mother, Ali Foley, founder of environmental organisation Ten Little Pieces, supported ongoing discussions with the company and said she is proud of his persistence and encouraged by Woolworths’ engagement.
Woolworths Management confirmed trolley collection street runs seven days a week, with an added afternoon collection patrol and new signage encouraging customers to return trolleys and use the Trolley Tracker app. Although coin-operated systems are not currently planned for Sunshine Coast stores, the company said it will continue monitoring the issue. Members of the public are encouraged to report any wayward trolleys via the Trolley Tracker App.
“Seeing Woolworths respond to my ideas show how much positive change can happen when someone speaks up respectfully and backs it with good research.” Liam said. “This experience has helped me understand how citizens and organisations can work together to improve our community, in a way that’s good for everyone”.
Liam Thomalla “Seeing Woolworths respond to my ideas show how much positive change can happen when someone speaks up respectfully and backs it with good research.”