December 16, 2025
Paddy “The Can Man” Weber has done it again! His hard work over the past 12 months collecting cans will mean a whole lot of South Burnett families will have a better Christmas.
Paddy, from Ellesmere, delivered the results of another 12 months of recycling last week to South Burnett CTC’s annual Christmas Hamper Drive.
His efforts this year resulted in:
- $2000 worth of items to the food drive
- 10 bags of personal items to be distributed to survivors of domestic and family violence
- $600 worth of toys donated to ops shops, and
- $400 worth of Mrs B’s Learning Resources for the Little Peanuts Early Learning Centre
Paddy and his wife Di collect their own cans and bottles, but Paddy also gratefully receives donations from friends, former workmates at the South Burnett Regional Council, local businesses and community groups.
He said he would particularly like to extend his heartfelt thanks this year to:
- Gavin and Wendy Jones from the Maidenwell Hotel
- Ascot Motor Inn
- Baines Rural Fencing and Property Maintenance
- Nanango Race Club
- South Burnett Western Performance Club
- Kumbia Race Club
- Burrandowan Picnic Race Club
- South Burnett Regional Council staff
“We would also like to give a special thank you to the staff from Containers For Change who spend countless hours in the heat, carefully counting the cans and bottles brought in by me,” Paddy said.
“Your effort and dedication make this community work possible.
“An extra special thank you goes to Mark Hutchinson from Decorative Concreting and to all the wonderful members of the South Burnett community who generously give their time collecting for the Can Man.
“Your kindness and continued support allow me to gather enough recyclables to purchase food that will be donated to families in need this Christmas.”
Paddy said he also liked to keep the countryside clean, collecting cans and bottles from the side of the road.
He thanked people for being so generous in supporting him and the Christmas Hamper Drive.
