Cigarette butts are the most littered item in Queensland, Australia and the world, a fact that Shannon for one, could no longer turn a blind eye. In 2020 he resigned from his full-time corporate role overseas to make a positive impact on the environment and founded No More Butts.
Shannon has set the organisation up with a focus on three key elements: advocacy, research and programs. With the exception of being contracted by NSW EPA to deliver consultancy on the topic, all engagements with local councils and other organisations and community groups are conducted pro-bono. Programs are often funded just for program delivery, with volunteer hours making up the contributions from the charity.
Shannon has engaged media and presented at several industry events to raise the profile of this niche issue, garnering support for the mission along the way.
Shannon joins previous winners of this prestigious award, including Steve Irwin.
The category was sponsored by Goodman Private Wealth.
Learn more about Queensland Gives here.
Passionate Roderic Byrnes volunteers several hours a week to help remove cigarette butt litter from his community. In addition to his previous role as chairperson of No More Butts, he participates energetically in clean-up events and helps out with marketing.
Congratulations to Valda Allen from The Haymarket Foundation Ltd who was announced as the 2023 Westfield Local Hero for Sydney! Westfield awarded a community grant of $20K to help Valda and The Haymarket Foundation Ltd to continue to grow their impact in the local community.
Voting is now open for the 2025 Westfield Local Heroes program here.
Volunteer Fundraising Specialist (pdf)
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