Border and North East region community and sporting groups are hoping for strong benefits from the Return and Earn scheme in Victoria.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
or signup to continue reading
The Victorian government unveiled the final designs of their container deposit scheme this week, with it due to be rolled out in 2023 at 10 cents per can or bottle.
Many living on the Victorian side of the Border have expressed frustration at the lateness of the scheme, given NSW have had their own in place since 2017.
Western Australia have been running their program since June last year.
Sporting clubs such as the Wodonga Hockey Club see it as an opportunity to raise funds for equipment following a reduction in sponsorships due to COVID-19.
IN OTHER NEWS:
"These programs can actually be a bit of a lifeblood for smaller clubs and gives them the ability to raise some funds," club president Kyle Brereton said.
"This would be an important opportunity to raise some critically needed funds that we could particularly address to our juniors and getting equipment.
"I think in this day and age it's become hard to attract sponsors to support local community groups and sporting groups.
I think in this day and age it's become hard to attract sponsors to support local community groups and sporting groups
- Wodonga Hockey Club's Kyle Brereton said
"We have seen a reduction in sponsorship opportunities because of COVID and its impact on businesses.
"People are obviously less willing to provide a sponsorship arrangement."
Although Mr Brereton said the club hadn't used the NSW Return and Earn stations, he said it would look closely at the scheme in Victoria.
With hesitancy still remaining in Victoria to hold large scale public events, the Return and Earn scheme could present an opportunity for community groups to continue raising funds.
Rutherglen Football Club president Greg Lumby said it was an opportunity for players and members to raise funds.
"They could take charge of it and use it to have pie nights or functions down in the club rooms," Mr Lumby said.
"If they take ownership of it, they could see the rewards of raising some money for themselves."
Mr Lumby said his club's involvement would depend on practicality.
"If it was streamlined and wasn't something taking up a lot of volunteers' time, it'd certainly be something that is beneficial," he said.
