News

Turning trash into treasure at Containers for Change – Aura Business Park

4 min
01 February 2024

Containers for Change Baringa operated by Strong Street Recyclers, is based in the Aura Business Park and is a business dedicated to environmental sustainability and community engagement. As a container return point, their mission is to encourage recycling by providing a simple and rewarding way for individuals and organisations to contribute to a cleaner, greener planet.


Ajay Dharam from Containers for Change in the Aura Business Park encourages the community to recycle to make a positive difference to the environment

Community members are incentivised to recycle by receiving cash refunds for returned eligible containers. This innovative approach not only promotes responsible waste management but also encourages a sense of environmental consciousness among the community. Containers for Change streamlines the recycling process, making it convenient and accessible for everyone.

Containers for Change Baringa representative, Ajay Dharam said the business commenced in the Aura Business Park on 7 October this year, however it had been in planning for about three years prior to the official opening.

“I chose the Aura Business Park because it was a Stockland development and I was sure that the quality of the infrastructure would be second to none,” said Mr Dharam.

“The Aura Business Park currently has more than 53 different independent businesses so there is a lot of organic growth within this region, and eventually there will be more than 50,000 residents in the Aura community.

“This is a growing area and one of the fastest growing areas within the Sunshine Coast, with two new houses going up every day.

“I have a fantastic team of five people, three of which live in the Nirimba community and work in the Aura Business Park.”

Charlotte Buckley, Stockland Community Development Manager said that Aura was evolving as a hub for successful businesses on the Sunshine Coast.

“The Aura Business Park is the heart of business activity in the region and with its key infrastructure already in place, it’s attracting a range of entrepreneurs and companies keen to benefit and thrive,” said Ms Buckley.

“The park’s strategic location, made even more accessible with the recent opening of the Bells Creek Arterial with a direct connection to the Bruce Highway, provides businesses with access to a growing and prosperous customer base.

“The business park is also an important employment hub for the community and it’s great to see so many people choosing to not only live here but also work locally in Aura.”

Supporting local communities is at the heart of Containers for Change business operations. With its commitment to assisting charities and community groups to fundraise, every operator has the opportunity to communicate and engage with their local community in some way.

“Since November 2018, Containers for Change nationally has donated more than $116 million to charities,” said Mr Dharam.

“Our business has had a purpose-built BBQ trailer made and we provide this to our local Men’s Shed and we fund the ingredients with all of the proceeds going back to the Men’s Shed.”

The team at Containers for Change Baringa look forward to a long and successful tenure in the Aura Business Park.

“Stockland have been fantastic in supporting the business from its inception, from allowing us to choose the block and providing ongoing support to help promote the business.

“All of our customers are fantastic and they have been very supportive of the business so far and the feedback has been overwhelmingly positive, with the ease of access to the business, plenty of parking and clean facilities.”

Find out more about Containers for Change on the website https://www.containersforchange.com.au/qld/ or follow them on Facebook @4ChangeQLD.