Eight-year-old 'Can-do' kid Manaia returns 10,000 containers
Have you ever wondered if recycling your 10-cent containers really makes a difference? Just ask eight-year-old Manaia Arbuckle from Cairns.
With the help of her community, she’s turned a simple habit into a powerful force for good - keeping thousands of containers out of landfill, fundraising for a charity close to her heart, and saving for a dream trip to Disneyland.
Community spirit in action
Manaia’s Containers for Change journey began in December 2024 when she and her mum, Paige, decided to start collecting. With empty containers already at home, and a 10-cent refund incentive, it was a simple way for Manaia to raise money.
But, for Manaia, it was about more than just pocket money. She chose to donate half of her refunds to Ronald McDonald House - a charity that supported her best friend Yasmine during treatment for a brain tumour.
The other half? She tucked it away for her "one-day" dream of going to Disneyland. Little did she know - that dream was about to come true in just ten days, thanks to a surprise trip planned by her mum. Watch her reaction below.
What started as a small idea quickly gained momentum when Paige posted in local Facebook groups. The response was overwhelming, with Cairns locals eager to support Manaia’s mission.
“From what I thought would be four or five people wanting a bag collected, there ended up being 12 people overnight who said, ‘absolutely count us in, what she’s doing is amazing,’” Paige said.
Manaia and Paige now collect containers weekly, sometimes twice a week, from Cairns residents and businesses.
10,000 Containers (and counting!)
By May 2025, Manaia reached a huge milestone – her 10,000th container returned at Cairns Recycling in Portsmith.
To celebrate, Cairns Recycling matched her fundraising efforts with a $500 donation to Ronald McDonald House, doubling the impact of her incredible work and recognising the power of one young recycler’s determination.
How to get started
What advice do Manaia and Paige have for those wanting to start their own recycling journey?
Paige says “It only takes one small step. You don’t need to bring 900 containers at one time – just bring a bag, and bring your kids along to show them how it’s done.”
And Manaia’s advice – “bring gloves so your hands don’t get sticky!”
Manaia’s story is a powerful reminder that every container counts, whether you’re fundraising for a cause or saving for something special.
With passion, purpose and a little help from the community, small actions can lead to something truly magical.