Westpac in Ipswich and Booval will ring up vital funds through the Aussie Recycling Program (ARP), which converts old mobile phones into fundraising dollars. 

The fundraising goal prior to Christmas is to collect 1,000 mobile phones throughout 15 Westpac branches in South Brisbane, including Ipswich and Booval with all funds donated to CPL. 

ARP collects and re-uses defunct mobile phones – raising up to five dollars per phone – with funds used by CPL to provide vital services for thousands of Queenslanders with a disability, including children who require specialist therapies and equipment that support them to communicate with confidence. 

“Westpac is proud to be supporting CPL to assist Queenslander children with disability to maximise their life opportunities,” said Westpac Bank Manager Mark Witenden. 

“We’re urging all Ipswich residents to dig up their old mobile phones and drop them into Westpac. Not only will you be supporting people with a disability but also limit the environmental damage caused by the incorrect disposal of mobile phones” Mr Witenden said.

An estimated 10 million mobile phones remain unused in Australian households today, many of which would eventually find their way into landfill.

All phones received through ARP are tested and then either exported to developing countries, dismantled for parts, used for manufacturing other electrical products or recycled in an environmentally friendly manner. 

“We applaud Westpac for their community spirit and social conscience. Their involvement in ARP is not only assisting Queenslanders with disability but also helping reduce the environmental impacts caused by disused mobile phones,” said CPL CEO Angela Tillmanns. 

Westpac branches throughout Ipswich and South Brisbane will have recycling boxes for the collection of old mobile phones from now up until Christmas. To find out more about ARP mobile phone recycling visit www.cplqld.org.au or call 1800 819 086. 

For the past 60 years, CPL has brought joy, hope and opportunity to thousands of people with a disability through the provision of expert services and support. CPL is supported through fundraising activities like the ARP, as well as support from the community, Queensland corporate sector and State and Federal Government.