Sisters 4 Wildlife Fight 4 Change

By Georgia Wright

Once again, Containers for Change has shone a light on incredible young eco-warriors in our community through awarding Holly and Charli Garrity the Young Change Maker of the Year awards.

For the past four years, these Gap State High School students aged 12 and 14 have demonstrated steadfast commitment to protecting the environment. Their foundation, Sisters 4 Wildlife, has earned multiple awards, made headlines, and received donations and growing support from our community for their inspiring endeavours—but where did this all begin?

Born and raised animal lovers, all it took was one trip to Australia Zoo and a tour of its remarkable wildlife hospital for Holly and Charli to decide on taking action, too. The girls soon spotted a flyer for the Junior Visionary Wildlife Program and joined without hesitation. Through this program, they learned of the issues facing our environment and began raising money for the wildlife hospital, as well as raising support for injured, threatened, or endangered wildlife in their free time after school. Originally, Sisters 4 Wildlife was established with the goal of raising $1000 for the Wildlife Hospital, while the girls volunteered locally to restore animal habitats. Four years later, Holly and Charli are proud to say they have raised over $20 000—and counting!

As well, the little legends won Brisbane Waste Smart Champion Highly Commended in 2021 and were voted nominees for the All-Star Award in 2022. The latter achievement is a reflection of their work establishing the Great Gap Fashion Swap—an initiative to reduce fast fashion and textile waste in landfill. Holly and Charli were also finalists in the Visionary Wildlife Warriors of the Year in 2020 and 2021 and were ambassadors for Terra Cycles Pen Recycling Program. These ladies have sure kept their green-thumbs busy!

Naturally, the girls have had an enormous impact on their local Gap community and have many supporters who donate containers, attend their events, buy from their stalls, and encourage them along their journey. Jonty Bush and Steve Toomey are two of which, both helping out with any of their endeavours and projects. Holly and Charli’s mother, Jodie Garrity tells Echo News, ‘Without the support of the Gap community, they wouldn’t have been able to achieve what they have.’

Jodie also reveals that, as the girls’ mum, their achievement of Young Change Maker of the Year is ‘recognition of their unwavering commitment to their cause’. She believes they have truly made the local community a better place through protecting the environment and inspiring other local kids— and adults.

Holly and Charli agree, sharing, ‘Through this award we want to inspire other kids…and show them that no matter how young or small you are, kids can do amazing things with a big impact!’

Looking to the future, Holly and Charli hope to reach at least 100 000 recycled containers through Sisters 4 Wildlife, as well as expanding their Great Gap Fashion Swap to engage more locals. With all funds they plan to continue raising, the sisters want to help other wildlife rescue organisations such as Wildcare and Australian Seabird and Turtle Rescue. As for the girls individually, Holly hopes to become a paramedic or vet post-school, while Charli still dreams of a career at Australia Zoo.

Well done girls and keep up the incredible work!