Our Haven Wildlife Shelter in Stradbroke, Victoria, will receive $10,000 through Victoria’s Container Deposit Scheme (CDS Vic), a program that refunds 10 cents for each eligible drink container returned, with the funding going towards the caring for injured and orphaned animals.
The shelter was chosen as the recipient of the inaugural ‘Win A Million! Cents’ charity prize, in which one of five $10,000 winners could nominate a charity to receive a matching prize.
“The moment I got the phone call about winning the $10,000 I just started crying,” said Theresa Matthews, who runs the shelter with her husband Tony. “It really meant the world to us because it’s not always easy.”
The couple are caring for 25 joeys, and the prize will cover milk and feed costs, while also contributing to a koala and wombat pen.
The winning entry came from grandmother Joanne and her daughter Reana, who returned containers at the Wodonga CDS Vic depot. Alongside their own $10,000 prize, they selected Our Haven Wildlife Shelter for the bonus prize, recognising the work involved in rescuing and rehabilitating wildlife.
The shelter relies on volunteers and community donations, including support from the Loch Sport Caravan Park, which acts as a CDS Vic donation hub. Owners Raymond and Belinda Johnson said they have helped raise more than $13,000 for local community causes, including $1000 for Our Haven.
“The community started to come on board and it grew and grew. And now there’s some other community groups who are struggling in town. Whoever needed it, we’ve just started dividing it up,” Raymond Johnson said.
Marianne Doyle, interim CEO of scheme coordinator, VicReturn, said the shelter’s win reflected the scheme’s broader benefits.
“Stories like Theresa’s remind us why recycling matters. It’s not just about keeping drink containers out of landfill, it’s about creating real benefits for people and communities,” Doyle said.
“Every container counts. Whether you’re raising funds for your local club, supporting a charity, or simply doing your bit for the environment. Together, we’re keeping litter out of our streets, parks and waterways, and building a cleaner future for Victoria."
Since launching in November 2023, almost 2.2 billion containers have been returned through CDS Vic, putting $220 million back into Victorians’ pockets.
