Surrendered essentials helping Queenslanders in crisis
Personal care items surrendered by international travellers are finding a second life helping Queenslanders experiencing hardship, thanks to a partnership between Brisbane Airport and not-for-profit organisation, GIVIT.
Every day, travellers pass through Brisbane Airport’s International Terminal and inadvertently attempt to go through security screening with powders, liquids, aerosols and gels exceeding the allowable limit for carry-on baggage.
In the past year to June, Brisbane Airport donated more than 15,600 personal care items, equivalent to 7.8 tonnes of products, to GIVIT.
GIVIT works with a network of local charities across Brisbane to ensure donated items, such as bodywash, conditioner, sunscreen, toothpaste and other unopened personal care items, reach people who genuinely need them.
Brisbane Airport Community Engagement Manager Portia Allison said the initiative provided practical support to Queenslanders, while reducing waste.
“If you've just said goodbye to a bottle of shampoo or tube of toothpaste at airport security, you’re not alone.
“Although it might be disappointing to leave these items behind, you can feel good knowing they don't end up in landfill.
“We take unopened items from security screening and give them a second chance, working with GIVIT to ensure the products go to Queenslanders who need it most.”
Brisbane Airport also donates other brand-new food products such as honey and vegemite to a range of charities that distribute to those in need.
GIVIT spokesperson Samantha Richardson said the toiletries from Brisbane Airport have been distributed to more than 25 charities across the city.
“GIVIT has been able to pass on these toiletries to crisis accommodation shelters, disability services and domestic and family violence charities who are in urgent need of essential goods for the people they support.
“Basic toiletries like deodorant or shampoo are essentials most of us take for granted but for many people they’re a luxury item. Having access to these personal care items means that someone experiencing hardship doesn’t have to make the choice between buying toiletries or putting food on the table.
“Our partnership with Brisbane Airport is a win-win, with these unused goods staying out of landfill while providing them to someone doing it really tough.”
Brisbane Airport’s partnership with GIVIT serves as a timely reminder for Australians travelling overseas to familiarise themselves with international carry-on baggage rules before arriving at the airport.
Information on exactly what is permitted is available on the Australian Border Force website.
Packing items that comply with international carry-on requirements can help travellers move through security screening more quickly, while avoiding having to part with personal items.
Brisbane Airport has just completed a significant upgrade of security, installing next-generation screening technology, helping streamline the departure experience for international travellers.