Monday, February 12, 2024
In the last year, Queenslanders in need received 14.5 tonnes of food and personal care products, thanks to donations that filled the equivalent of 88 supermarket carts, thus preventing these new items from being discarded in landfills. GIVIT, in partnership with Brisbane Airport, distributed 10,000 of these items to homeless individuals and those escaping domestic violence in Queensland. The contribution stems from items forfeited by travelers at Brisbane Airport, often due to a lack of awareness about international carry-on restrictions enforced by the Department of Home Affairs. These rules, which limit the carry-on of powders, liquids, aerosols, and gels, have led to the collection of thousands of items such as Vegemite, peanut butter, Nutella, honey varieties, soy sauce, shampoo, beauty items, sunscreen, perfumes, deodorant, and toothpaste at airport security.
Brisbane Airport’s initiative to donate these items to charity over the past year has been instrumental in aiding Queenslanders facing economic hardships and domestic violence. Peter Doherty, the airport’s Media & Corporate Affairs Manager, emphasized the importance of repurposing these useful products, especially during challenging economic times, rather than disposing of them as waste.
Travelers often surrender popular Australian food spreads and personal care items due to restrictions on items over 100g in carry-on luggage, with the recommendation to pack these in checked baggage instead. GIVIT, which received donations of personal care items, has worked with Brisbane Airport to distribute these to over 25 organizations in Brisbane, aiding those affected by homelessness, domestic violence, and the cost of living.
Additionally, unopened fresh food and drinks are donated to charities like Vinnies and Hands & Feet, which support food distribution to those in need. This assistance has been particularly valued by organizations like Hands & Feet, as noted by David Graham, for the donation of products they typically do not receive.
The surrender of alcohol over 100ml at security has also been noted, with 323 bottles of wine and spirits collected last year. These were donated to the Kedron Wavell Services Club, generating funds to support Mates4Mates, which assists Defence Force members and their families dealing with injuries, mental health issues, and social disconnection.
Brisbane Airport encourages travelers to familiarize themselves with international flight carry-on regulations to avoid unnecessary surrender of valuable items, highlighting the positive outcome of donated items benefiting Queenslanders in need. The airport’s commitment to sustainability is evident in its waste management practices, aiming for zero waste to landfill by 2030, and currently recycling 25.5% of its waste.
Travelers can find detailed information on permitted carry-on items on the Department of Home Affairs website, with domestic flights from the Domestic Terminal not subject to these international restrictions. In 2023, Brisbane Airport saw 21.5 million passengers, with the majority flying domestically.
