The Dimboola Lions Club announced the recipients of its inaugural community grants at the recent Tower Park market.

This initiative has been made possible through the proceeds of the Container Deposit Scheme Victoria (CDS Vic) reverse vending machine (RVM) that was installed at the Lions depot in November last year.

A total of over $12,000 has been awarded to five local organisations for a variety of projects that will provide lasting benefits to the local community.
The Dimboola Lions Club has awarded grants to the following organisations:

Gerang Gerung Wildlife Rescue and Rehabilitation Centre - $657.03 12-month supply of macropod formula.

Sidney Nolan Studio - $1,000 Sidney Nolan Studio façade restoration

Dimboola Sporting Club - $5,200 Recycling infrastructure - Fence with gates to lock up all rubbish bins, recycled can bins, recycled cardboard and caged trailer to be used only for recycling.

Dimboola RSL - $800 Heavy duty stick vacuum cleaner.
The funds for this grant were made possible through donations collected at the Dimboola Lions Club’s local Reverse Vending Machine (RVM) since November 2023. Each 10-cent refund donated by members of the community directly contributed to the pool of funds available, highlighting the
power of collective action to make a real difference locally.

Dimboola Lions Club President Rod McKenzie highlighted the positive response from community members, noting that hundreds of volunteer hours have gone into supporting the club’s activities, including operating the reverse vending machine 7 days a week, which has now been running for
nearly a year.
“It’s important that we ensure the funds generated by the scheme support projects that benefit the Dimboola community,” said Mr McKenzie.

“We’re keen to attract more members and volunteers to undertake our activities and support initiatives like this grant scheme.”

- Rod McKenzie, Dimboola Lions Club President
The funds were raised through donations collected at the Dimboola Lions Club’s local RVM, where community members receive a 10-cent refund for every eligible drink container they recycle.

Many have chosen to donate their refunds to the Lions Club, demonstrating the power of collective action to make a real difference locally.

The Dimboola Lions Club encourages everyone in the community to continue supporting local causes by recycling eligible drink containers at their RVM and consider donating the funds they receive. Every small action contributes to a more sustainable and thriving community.
“We are thrilled to see the Dimboola Lions Club channel funds raised through the CDS Vic scheme into meaningful community projects. It’s a testament to the power of teamwork and demonstrates how something as simple as returning a drink container can contribute to a bigger cause,

“This initiative not only supports local groups like the Dimboola Lions Club but also empowers everyone in the community to get involved, making a positive environmental and social impact.”

- James Dorney, CEO TOMRA Cleanaway – CDS Western Zone Operator
TOMRA Cleanaway is the network operator of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, CDS Vic, in western metropolitan Melbourne and western Victoria, and they partner with third-party operators, including charities, not-for-profit, and community groups, who host the collection points.

Launched by the Minister for Environment in Melbourne in early November 2023, residents are encouraged to collect and cash in eligible drink bottles, cartons, and cans for 10 cents per item at refund points such as the Reverse Vending Machine at the Dimboola Lion’s depot in Hindmarsh Street, over-the-counter refund points, and bulk container refund points.

The Container Deposit Scheme targets beverage containers that are most commonly found as litter and are often consumed away from home, including plastic soft drink bottles, glass beer bottles, soft drinks and alcohol sold in cans, and small fruit juice cartons. A complete list of eligible containers can be found in the Container Deposit Scheme Regulations.
“The Dimboola Lions Club’s grant showcases the incredible impact that the CDS Vic scheme is having on communities across Victoria,

“Every bottle and can recycled through the scheme not only reduces waste but also has the power to support local projects that strengthen our communities. I encourage all Victorians to get behind the scheme, use their local RVMs, and consider donating their refunds to help fund more initiatives like this one.”

- Victorian Minister for Environment - Steve Dimopoulos MP