New South Wales’ love affair with Return and Earn recycling has reached a new high, with the 14th billion container officially returned.

The positive environmental impact of re­turning 14 billion bottles and cans for re­cycling instead of making new containers with virgin materials includes: Water sav­ings equivalent to 32,840 Olympic swim­ming pools, energy savings equivalent to powering 191,100 homes for an entire year, carbon emission savings equivalent to taking 1,017,400 cars off the road annu­ally. This impressive milestone means over $1.4 billion in container refunds has gone back into people’s pockets, helping with the cost of living” said James Dorney, CEO of network operator TOMRA Cleanaway.

Danielle Smalley, CEO of scheme coor­dinator, Exchange for Change, said over $82 million has been raised for charities and community groups through donations and return point hosting fees, supporting their important work from providing food and shelter to environmental conservation.

The 14 billion milestone coincides with Return and Earn releasing the latest Local Government Volume Report, which shows the enthusiastic community participation in container returns by council area in the last six months. For information visit returnan­dearn.org.au.

A new national online platform is now live, providing educators, students and community groups with engaging, age-appropriate tools to build biosecurity awareness across Australia. The Youth Biosecurity Hub offers a centralised library of curriculum-aligned lesson plans and interactive resources.

The development of the platform follows the success of the National Biosecurity Training Hub, an online library of biosecu­rity training resources developed by PHA in collaboration with the Queensland Department of Primary Industries, Animal Health Australia, NSW Department of Primary Industries, and Agriculture Victoria in 2023.

Sarah Corcoran, Chief Executive Officer of PHA, said early edu­cation is key. “A strong biosecurity system starts with awareness and shared responsibility. By equipping young Australians with the knowledge and tools they need from an early age, we’re helping to build a more resilient, informed future.

The Youth Biosecurity Hub is a national resource that empow­ers teachers, students, and communities to take part in protecting what matters most.”

With accessible, ready-made materials tailored for primary and secondary schools, the Youth Biosecurity Hub makes it easy for teachers to bring biosecurity education into the classroom and for parents and community groups to reinforce learning at home or in local programs.

Whether it’s protecting Australia’s precious wildlife, safeguarding agricultural industries, or ensuring future food security, biosecurity awareness starts with education.

The Youth Biosecurity Training Hub is available at youthbiosecu­rityhub.com.au.

Member for Orange Phil Donato MP, has announced grants funding for a total of 16 infrastructure projects courtesy of the NSW Government’s 2025 Community Build­ing Partnership Program (CBP) – totalling $450,000.

The annual grants program ensures local organisations and councils across the state have the facilities to support more vibrant and inclusive communities.

This year, the CBP grants will help bring to life a variety of projects including:

1. Forbes Shire Council: $43,076 for Ninja Park Shade Structure.

2. Canowindra Connections Centre: $54,016 for refurbishment of existing stables for food pantry storage.

3. Lions Club Of Canowindra Incorporated $15,000 for driving the safety of volun­teers.

4. Lidster Public Hall Incorporated: $13,000 for replacement of Nashdale Hall and Community noticeboard with a more visible electronic noticeboard.

5. Boys to the Bush Pty Ltd: $20,000 for boosting Boys to the Bush in Orange.

6. Life Education NSW Limited: $14,152 for enhanced children’s learning envi­ronment – upgrading Healthy Harold Mobile Learning Centre with air-condi­tioning, carpet, and access steps.

7. Eugowra Community Bowls & Recrea­tion Club: $40,000 for the rebuilding flood affected disabled toilets.

8. Cerebral Palsy Alliance Orange: $48,000 for a new roof.

9. River Dreaming Aboriginal Corporation: $26,505 for the fitment of ENDUROCO lift kit to their existing bus.

10. Anglican Property Trust: $25,000 for maintenance to the roof of St John’s Anglican Church, Forbes.

11. Orange City Rugby Club Ltd: $36,500 for disabled concrete paths and specta­tor fencing.

12. Orange City Croquet Club: $25,000 for a ride-on greens mower for croquet courts.

13. Tullamore PA & H Association Incorpo­rated: $13,031 for cementing the future of the Tullamore Showgrounds.

14. Cudal Community Children’s Centre: $22,720 for a shed, shade and safety.

15. Cancer Council NSW: $44,000 for Can­cer Council transport to treatment for people affected by cancer living in Or­ange.

16. Gowrie NSW: $10,000 Newstead EEC – movable outdoor climbing equipment for children’s gross motor development.

“I wish to congratulate this year’s success­ful Community Building Partnership grants program applicants,” Mr Donato said.

“This annual grant program has been an important financial support mechanism, helping to grow and sustain many local community organisations.

“I look forward to visiting each of the suc­cessful applicants in the coming months, to personally congratulate them and learn more about the projects being undertaken with this funding.

“Given the funding cap for each elector­ate and being a highly competitive grants program, there certain to be some appli­cants who were unsuccessful – but they shouldn’t be discouraged from trying again next year.

“I have been hosting annual grant writ­ing workshops to assist local organisations achieve funding success, and I encourage local grant applicants to participate in my next workshop,” said Mr Donato.

Local not-for-profit community organi­sations and councils were eligible to ap­ply for grants ranging from $10,000 up to $100,000.

For more information you can visit the Community Building Partnership website: nsw.gov.au/cbp