The Dimboola Lions Club has successfully put real money back into the hands of locals and businesses with its "Dimboola Dollars" initiative. A clever community-driven program that turned recycling efforts into powerful economic support.

Thanks to overwhelming community interest, all Dimboola Dollars have now been sold. Through the initiative, shoppers were able to purchase $100 worth of Dimboola Dollars for just $50, with the Dimboola Lions Club covering the remaining $50, effectively doubling the impact of every purchase. In total, the Club contributed $7,000, generating $14,000 worth of Dimboola Dollars circulating through participating local businesses.

The program, made possible by funds raised through the operation of the TOMRA Cleanaway reverse vending machine installed at the Dimboola Lions Club as a part of Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme, has given Dimboola’s economy a timely boost, and now the focus turns to spending!

Dimboola Dollars must be redeemed by 31 May 2025.

Le Vergne Lehmann, Dimboola Lions Club Project Co-ordinator, said the strong response reflects the pride and loyalty of the Dimboola community.
"Selling out all our Dimboola Dollars so quickly just shows the power of local people backing local businesses. Every dollar spent is supporting our friends, our neighbours, and the heart of Dimboola. We can’t thank the community enough for their incredible support, it’s made this project a real success.”

- Le Vergne Lehmann, Dimboola Lions Club Project Co-ordinator
TOMRA Cleanaway’s General Manager, Victoria, Tony Catania, said Dimboola’s achievement proves the strength of grassroots initiatives.

"To see Dimboola not only embrace recycling but also turn it into a $14,000 economic boost for their town is truly inspiring. The Dimboola Lions Club and the community have set an incredible example of what can be achieved when local passion meets a simple idea.

Congratulations to everyone involved,"
Locals are encouraged to head out, redeem their Dimboola Dollars, and keep the momentum going by supporting participating businesses before the end of May 2025.

Victorian Container Deposit Scheme

Launched by the Minister for Environment in Melbourne in early November 2023, residents are encouraged to collect and cash-in on eligible drink bottles, cartons and cans, for 10 cents per item at refund points including Reverse Vending Machines (RVMs), over-the-counter refund points, and bulk
container refund points called Depots in their local areas.

CDS Vic 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.