Steve when he commenced the collections
Harden local Steve Pinney began collecting cans and bottles from friends and family to make a bit of extra spending money while doing something to help the planet.
But after a battle with prostate cancer, he started to think about how he could help others going through a similar ordeal. He decided to donate to the Harden-Murrumburrah branch of Can Assist, to help assist other people in his rural area with access to cancer treatment and care.
His daughter Melissa Pinney said that he looked for ways to involve more people and collect more containers.
“Through word-of-mouth and support from the local newspaper and radio station, word started getting out. Steve offers a pick-up service for elderly residents, and also arranges collection from local events and businesses.
Volunteers helping after the local Picnic Races and showing the dump bin
“The 2023 Harden Picnic Races had the biggest result for a single event so far, with around 6,600 containers able to be returned. That meant $660 was raised from just one event,” said Melissa.
Steve cleans and sorts all the donated containers to redeem through Return and Earn, and donates the money to Can Assist. Sometimes members of the Can Assist committee help with the sorting after big events.
“It’s very different work to his career as a Postal Manager with Australia Post for over 40 years. It is certainly keeping him busy during his retirement though!” said Melissa.
Sign put up at the local Post Office showing progress
Local support has included container donations from the Light Horse Hotel, the Harden-Murrumburrah Debutante Ball, Rugby League Presentation Night, Harden Kite Festival, weekly collections from the local touch footy competition, a private wedding function, and even the graduation night of the local preschool.
“Since May 2023, over $5,000 has been donated to Can Assist through the voluntary efforts of an amazing local community.
“Harden-Murrumburrah may be considered a small rural community but every can and bottle counts, and the community is well and truly behind Steve’s work to gain donations for Can Assist,” said Melissa.
The recycling is provided by Return and Earn via local business, Parker’s Smash Repairs who accept the sorted cans and bottles, with funds deposited directly into Harden Can Assist branch account. There is also a donation box available at Parker’s for people who want to donate their own recycled product to our branch.
In 2024, Grain Corp released a Community Grants offer; Melissa and members of the Harden branch, with the support of the local Grain Corp members, applied for up to $20,000 grant to enable dedicated bins to be purchased along with signage. Grain Corp generously granted the branch $10,000 which enabled 25 dedicated wheelie bins and 15 dump bins to be purchased. Signage was also factored into the costing with Grain Corp being acknowledged as our generous sponsor. The yellow bins are placed strategically around the Harden District including outlying villages, with more now being ordered due to the growing demand. The local community is offered a bin for their private parties and functions, with bin/s delivered prior and then collected after the event. A drop of area has bins located at the rear of Steve’s home, with people simply needing to drive along the rear lane and leave in the bins provided.
After the purchase of the bins there was a little funds left over, so we were able to purchase further updated and new equipment, including a new A Frame sign, table and cover etc.
The 2026 Australia Day Town Care Award honours a man whose quiet dedication has made a profound impact. Since 2023, Steve Pinney has collected cans and bottles to raise funds for Can Assist, raising more than $20,000 for local cancer patients while helping keep Harden Murrumburrah clean and environmentally conscious. Even while undergoing cancer treatment in 2024 and 2025, Steve continued his efforts, supported by volunteers and community members. By the end of 2025, he had recycled over 210,000 containers, inspiring individuals, businesses and groups to join the cause.
Now, June 2026, the total is currently at $26,000!
A recent call from Deniliquin branch to Steve has seen them set up their own recycling program.
Steve is very happy to take calls from other branches that are considering their own program to give them guidance on how to set up, obtain funding and generally get the community involved. Feel free to call him 0422 284 962 – he would love to help you help your own community.
Harden branch and the local community is very lucky to have Steve and many other people who support us so wonderfully. Our motto is YOU WILL NEVER WALK ALONE – thank you Steve for helping make sure no one does.
Volunteers at the local markets with new bins, signage and equipment.
