Richlands’ Brisbane South Toy Library Takes Home WasteSMART Community Award

Brisbane South Toy Library, a vibrant community-focused not-for-profit organisation based in Richlands, has been honoured with the WasteSMART Community Award.


Read: Pallara State School Receives WasteSMART Award for Environmental Initiatives


The award, sponsored by Containers for Change QLD, recognises exceptional efforts in waste prevention, reduction, and education by community groups.

Photo credit: Brisbane South Toy Library/Facebook

The organisation celebrated the momentous achievement with a heartfelt Facebook post:


“It was a ‘pinch me’ moment today when we found out we had won the #WasteSMART award. Thank you to our maintenance team leaders Robyn and Andrea (pictured left) for their consistent dedication to sustainable practices, to all of our volunteers for their hard work, and of course our members who continue to choose ‘borrowing over buying.’”

A Community-Driven Legacy

Brisbane South Toy Library
Photo credit: Brisbane South Toy Library/Facebook

The toy library began as a humble idea sparked by a backyard conversation between neighbours. Determined to make a difference, the founders called on the community to donate toys. With the support of the Forest Lake Salvation Army, the toy library opened its doors on 26 February 2019, as the Forest Lake Toy Library.

Richlands Community Centre (Photo credit: Brisbane South Toy Library/Facebook)

By late 2019, the library had gained significant traction. With growing membership and community support, they incorporated as Brisbane South Toy Library and relocated to a larger space at the Richlands Community Centre to better serve the community’s needs.

Reducing Waste, One Toy at a Time

Brisbane South Toy Library
Photo credit: Brisbane South Toy Library/Facebook

The toy library has become a pioneer in sustainability, actively redirecting pre-loved toys from landfill. Their dedicated team of 55 volunteers has processed over 1.5 tonnes of donated toys in the past year alone. Many of these toys have been restored and rehomed through the library, while those beyond repair have been sent to recycling centres.

In addition, they have removed and recycled over 20kg of batteries from toys, showcasing their commitment to reducing environmental impact.

More Than Just Toys

Offering over 2,000 toys, they cater to a wide range of interests, from educational puzzles and imaginative playsets to outdoor ride-ons and construction toys. Families can save money and reduce their environmental footprint by borrowing instead of buying, fostering a sustainable mindset in the community.

Visit the Toy Library

Located at 75 Old Progress Rd, Richlands, Queensland 4077 (parking via Orchard Road entrance), the Toy Library is a proof of what communities can achieve when they come together with purpose.


Read: Richlands Manufacturing Site Receives Major Investment Boost


With their WasteSMART Community Award win, the toy library proves that sustainability, creativity, and community spirit can make a lasting impact.

Published 30-December-2024

Pallara State School Receives WasteSMART Award for Environmental Initiatives

Pallara State School, together with Mt St Michael’s College, won the WasteSMART Schools Award, one of 11 awards handed out to recognise individuals and groups who have contributed to the preservation of Brisbane’s natural environment.

Pallara State School Environment Club won the WasteSMART Schools Award, together with Mt St Michael’s College, and shares in the prize pool worth $4,000.

The club, which is composed of 60 students from Year 3 to 6, holds a before-school session every Tuesday to engage in environmental activities including rostered collection of compost bins, worm farming, garden weeding and watering and plant propagation, as well as environmental art, and native animal nest box building. 



Also, Pallara State School Environment Club hosts clean-up drives around the school lunch areas and sorts through campus wastes for data analysis. The Club also has a subset of students who are running projects under the guidance of Eco-Marines.

Photo credit: Brisbane Sustainability Agency / sustainablebrisbane.com.au

The ceremony was held on 18 November 2021 at City Hall. Brisbane City Council delivered the Awards in partnership with Brisbane Sustainability Agency.

Other category winners include:

  • Councillors’ WasteSMART Choice Award – Karana Downs & Surrounds Community Garden Hub
  • Brisbane WasteSMART Champions Award – Renae McBrien
  • WasteSMART Community Award – Ocean Crusaders Foundation Ltd and Tarragindi Community Garden
  • WasteSMART Business Award (<19 employees) – Vessel Nundah
  • WasteSMART Business Award ( >20 employees) – Howard Smith Wharves
  • WasteSMART Early Learning Award – Bellbowrie Early Education Centre
  • Outstanding WasteSMART Award – Save Our Supplies
  • People’s Choice WasteSMART Award – Mt St Michael’s College.

The finalists were judged by a panel of experts, except for the People’s Choice Awards which was determined through public voting. Mt St Michael’s College was chosen for their 5-stage plan that aimed at reducing waste at the campus including containers for change, commercial composting, compostable packaging at the canteen, co-mingled recycling, and recycling of soft plastic wastes.

Well done, Pallara State School Environment Club!