Goulburn Murray footy clubs fundraising with Container Deposit Scheme Victoria Partnership

The Euroa Football Netball Club are keen to start collecting empty drink containers to raise funds for their club this season. Image: Kim James 

Country footy clubs throughout the Goulburn Murray region are getting behind Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic) to drive funds back into their communities, as part of a new AFL Victoria statewide partnership.

Ahead of the 2025 season, all clubs in the region have been registered as CDS Vic Donation Partners, meaning all members and the wider community can nominate their club when eligible drink containers to provide the 10c refund back to the club.

Clubs will be chasing the benchmark set by the Alexandra Football Netball Club, who last year raised more than $14,000 by collecting empty drink containers on match days and social functions. The club boosted returns by engaging the wider community and sponsors to donate eligible containers for them to return.

AFL Goulburn Murray Regional Manager, Shaun Connell encouraged all clubs to get behind the program.

"All our clubs have been allocated a Donation Partner ID which they can activate and cash in through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme," Connell said.

"We have seen other clubs raise significant financial contributions through the scheme, and it is a great way to get everyone involved in club fundraising.

“Encourage your community to collect and return their eligible drink cans, bottles and cartons to your club will help your club cash in faster.”

Jim Round, CEO of scheme coordinator VicReturn, said footy clubs have a real opportunity to turn empty drink containers into valuable funds.

“Footy clubs are at the heart of local towns, and Alexandra Football Netball Club has shown just how much can be achieved with a bit of team spirit and simple behaviour changes," Mr Round said.

“Instead of throwing money away, we’d love to see more clubs jump on board and turn their supporters’ recycling efforts into real wins on and off the field."

All Victorian clubs are encouraged to head to cdsvic.org.au/afl-victoria to get involved.

Look for the 10c mark on your drink container to check its eligibility to be recycled through CDS Vic. Image: Kim James