Paw-Sitive Partnership Turns Empty Containers Into Full Bowls

A new partnership between the RSPCA Mackay and Andergrove Van Park is turning recycling refunds into lifelines for animals in need.

While the park has long participated in the Containers for Change initiative, new management has pledged to donate all future refunds directly to the RSPCA for animal care and welfare.

Tanya Rayner, the park’s newly appointed manager, said she jumped at the idea of joining forces with the animal welfare organisation.

“The RSPCA Mackay is now our animal ambassadors for the park.”

Rayner, an experienced resort manager with a passion for travel, said she understands the growing trend of pet owners wanting to holiday with their furry companions. The park, now part of Hampshire Holidays Australia, will also undergo a transformation into a vibrant place for travellers and locals alike, with regular food vans, entertainment, and animal-friendly events planned.

RSPCA Mackay Animal Care Volunteer Rob Hobbs recently submitted a proposal for the park to host fundraising days and interactive animal experiences for both guests and locals.

For the official launch, the park welcomed special guest Django, a 12-week-old English staffy cross American bulldog, who happily played the role of mascot for the day.

The partnership comes as part of a broader movement in Mackay that blends animal welfare with environmental sustainability. Chloe Stewart, who manages Mackay Recycling at Mackay Harbour, said the initiative is already making an impact.

“We have been partnering with RSPCA Mackay to collect bottles and cans which help contribute to the cost of feeding animals in the shelter.”

In just one month, Andergrove Van Park’s donations helped collect 5,000 containers.

“As a dog-friendly venue, this is a great initiative and already with their support, the RSPCA collected 5,000 containers last month from donations. Which is a huge feat,” Stewart said.

“If you’re donating your bottles and cans, we have a number on the wall at Mackay Harbour so you can donate your cans there, or you can drop them to the RSPCA as well.”

Organisers say, this wouldn’t be possible without the volunteers and businesses on board.

A broad network of businesses, such as local pubs, taxi services, and car yards, are also pitching in by donating 100 percent of their containers to the cause.

The RSPCA’s roots in Mackay remain firm, thanks to the persistence of local advocate Alison Fraser, who began fundraising decades before the shelter opened.

“The thanks for the shelter really goes to a lady called Alison Fraser, who 30 years ago started raising money for the RSPCA and kept asking them when they would build a shelter in Mackay,” said long-time volunteer Kym McInerney.

“She just took it into her own hands… and that’s why we have the shelter today.”

The shelter is now nearly 11 years old, continuing to provide vital care for animals while expanding into community-driven sustainability projects.

Ms McInerney said, “It’s about making it sustainable and doing what we can to become a movement for animal welfare and recycling.”

“It is very rewarding, very fulfilling. You get to meet a group of like-minded people that you really bond with and become friends with for the rest of your life.”

From empty bottles to wagging tails, Mackay’s residents are proving that every small act counts, especially when it’s done together.

‍

A new partnership between RSPCA Mackay and Andergrove Van Park is turning recycling refunds into vital funds for animal care, collecting thousands of containers each month while uniting the community in a movement for animal welfare and sustainability. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

‍