Waminda Services receive almost $2000 thanks to recycling initiative at Big Skies Festival

A Western Downs disability support organisation has received a sizeable donation after thousands of cans were recycled from the Big Skies Festival.

A recycling initiative at the Big Skies Festival on the Western Downs has benefited disability support organisation Waminda Services.

Big Skies Festival visitors have helped raise almost $2000 for a local disability support organisations through a can and bottle recycling program.

Almost 20,000 cans and bottles were recycled at last October’s festival raising $1944 for Waminda Services, who provides in-home services and supports independent living and employment opportunities for people with disabilities across the Western Downs.

Mayor Andrew Smith said the initiative highlighted Western Downs Regional Council’s commitment to supporting sustainable events, ensuring environmental protection and giving back to the community.

“Big Skies Festival is one of the most loved live music festivals on the Queensland calendar and helps advance our region as a premier tourist destination,” he said in a press release.

“The plastic waste that is generated at music festivals can create a serious environmental impact and sustainable waste management is a major focus for council’s Big Skies Festival organisers.

“Festival goers really embraced the inclusion of Waminda Service’s special recycling bins knowing that the money raised was going back to supporting the work Waminda does in our region providing high quality disability support services.”

Waminda Services executive general manager Tania Marshall said it was great to receive the support through the Big Skies Festival recycling initiative.

“As a registered charity, the public’s support with our can and bottle recycling scheme helps us source funds to provide activities and materials for everyone,” she said.