It took just three months for Weston Dalmaso, 12, of Birkdale to go from collecting tins to paying for a tinnie.
Weston took his first bottle and tin collection for recycling through the Container Refund Scheme on October 8, saving $200 by December 1 to purchase a motor mower (half was paid for by his father Rick). His bid to raise enough money to purchase a tinnie was supported with donations by his family and neighbours in the St James Park estate.
“He just wanted a tinnie so he could use it on Tingalpa Creek at the back of our place,” his mother Kym said.
Those same neighbours then became clients and Weston supplemented his income from the recycling with regular mowing and bought his tinnie for $1200 on January 11.
“I never expected it to be this quick,” he said.
Ms Dalmaso said Weston’s purchase showed the importance of dedication and focus.
“I am very proud of him. He wanted a boat and earned the money to get it. It shows that if you set your mind to something and work hard for it, you can succeed. I am proud of his work ethic and his attention to detail and pride in his work,” she said.
Weston said he enjoyed mowing and would be continuing to do the work, fitting it in with his studies as a Year 7 student at Iona College.
“One of my friends is also going to start,” he said.
The Container Refund scheme has express drop offs at Salvo stores at Cleveland and Capalaba and at 4/172 Redland Bay Road, Capalaba.
