By Trish Bowman
One of Central Queensland’s youngest Eco Warriors, Owen Harris has been named as a finalist in the Container for Change ‘2023 Change makers awards.’
Owen joins Holly and Charli Garrity, Hudson Magee and Karen Messmer as finalists in the Young Change Maker category.
The Young Change Maker of the Year category is for Inspirational young Queenslanders (aged under 18 years) who are using Containers for Change to benefit their community, the environment or a charity.
Mum Bluey Harris said Owen is using Container for Change to raise more funds for the WIldlife Warriors WIldlife Hospital to help animals in need.
“This is in addition to the sale of bracelets he makes and his other fundraising initiatives,” Bluey said.
“He has also raised about $30,000 for the hospital to date.
“Owen does a lot of beach clean ups and as part of that, together we sort out all of the recyclable containers and bring them back to one of the Container for Change places, usually the one in Yeppoon.
“It cleans up the environment and raises funds for a good cause.”
Bluey said Owen is hoping to show the world that everyone can step up and make a difference.
“No matter how small you think that difference may be, it all adds up and if we all work together and make these small differences in our own environment they add up to big changes,” she said.
“It’s a huge honour to be a finalist for this award and we hope it inspires more young people to get involved and follow their passion.”
If you would like to help Owen by donating your containers either directly or by using Owen’s Container for Change ID (C10594872) and dropping the containers off to one of the locations.
Containers for change annual Change Maker Awards shine a light on the incredible individuals and organisations creating real change through Containers for Change.
This year the group received over 700 entries, highlighting just how incredible and far-reaching the impacts of Containers for Change are.
Winners will be announced at an awards ceremony at the Brisbane Conference and Exhibition Centre on Thursday 6 July.
This year’s Change Maker Awards will be hosted by nationally acclaimed broadcaster, comedian and presenter, Peter Berner.
All operators and all other award finalists will be invited to attend the event.
This year’s awards will be our biggest yet. There are some fantastic prizes up for grabs including marketing spend for operators and prizes up to the value of $2,500.