Freo's Anzac spirit

With Anzac Day just around the corner, this is a great opportunity for us to share the longstanding relationship our Containers for Change Refund Point has with the Veterans Transition Centre (VTC).

The VTC is a not-for-profit registered charity that has a property nestled in the Darling Ranges on approximately 42 acres near Jarrahdale in Western Australia. The centre assists veterans and their families experiencing homelessness, mental health issues and employment barriers as well as assisting with the transition out of the defence force.

As we reflect on Anzac Day and remember the brave men and women who fought for our country, it’s important to remind ourselves of the impact being in the military may have and the difficulties some face as they transition back into the community.

Some veterans leave the defence force and transition quickly and seamlessly back into civilian life, they start new careers or even settle into retirement. However, for others, the experience is not as easy. Many face significant social, financial, employment and well-being challenges.

The VTC play such an integral part in supporting these veterans, easing them back into everyday life and giving them the resources to find opportunities in the workforce.

The City of Fremantle’s Containers for Change refund point is proud to be able to support VTC in its mission by helping collect and process eligible containers to raise funds for the charity.

Since working in collaboration with VTC, Fremantle CFC has processed over 60,000 containers which equates to over $6,000 raised. This great achievement is thanks to the generosity of our community.

VTC volunteer board member Ryan Gray said donations are critical for the charity to provide adequate support and services to these veterans and their families. 

“Thanks to the funds raised by the Containers for Change program, we were able to offer emergency short to medium-term accommodation and respite for veterans and their families at no cost.

“To those veterans who are homeless, these donations mean they have a roof over their heads at the end of the day, it ensures them that they’re safe. To see the relief on someone’s face when you can give them somewhere to stay so they can sort out their issues is very rewarding” he said.

In the past two years, everyday Western Australians have donated over $6.5 million in 10¢ refunds through Containers for Change to over 4,000 charities, community groups and school groups across our state. Fremantle Containers for Change Refund Point have three donation bins located at the front of its facilities, which are dedicated to different charities each month for those who wish to donate their containers back to a worthy cause.

For the entirety of this month, the three donation bins at CFC will be dedicated to helping VTC. So please support this worthwhile cause.

Image (L-R): Tamika Payne Senior Refund Point Operator, Ryan Gray VTC Board Member, Tyson Anderson Resource Recovery Team Leader.