Ruggies Recycling began in 1996 at Granny Smith gold mine near Laverton, WA. Environmental Officer, Rory Lamont, recognised the opportunity to recycle a range of materials that were previously going to landfill.
Management and staff at the mine embraced the idea and were delighted to see their recycling efforts raise $20,000 in the first eight months. The proceeds were donated to the local school in Laverton to buy new computers.
Buoyed by the success of the initiative, Rory continued with the recycling project and with the support of his fellow workers, decided to donate the proceeds to Princess Margaret Hospital for Children.
It was not long before other mining communities set up similar
recycling programs and Ruggies Recycling has continued to grow
steadily ever since. Today, closer to 50 mining companies throughout
WA are involved in the program and have raised almost $1,000,000
for PMH.
During this time both the PMH Foundation and the Royal Flying Doctor Service have benefited from the support of the mining community, which was trying to balance allegiances between the two valuable organisations.
The answer was simple, and on June 30, 2003, the Ruggies Recycling program became a joint operation between the PMH Foundation and RFDS, with the funds to be shared equally.
The PMH Foundation will continue to coordinate the program.
Awards
The program has won a number of awards including:
· 2006 - One of only two winners awarded a Golden Gecko by the DOIR & DOE
· 1999 – Won a Certificate of Merit in the Golden Gecko Awards.
· Community Services Industry Association
· Fundraising Institute of Australia
· Premier’s Award
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