A sustainability advocate with deep local roots

Benny has called the northern Gold Coast home for more than 25 years, building a life across Stapylton, Yatala and now Ormeau through careers spanning fast food, farming and community services management.

That breadth of experience has given him a practical, grounded view of how communities work and what they need to thrive.

Benny joined the Community Reference Group driven by a genuine passion for recycling and sustainability, and a belief that ARRC can play a key role in elevating the northern Gold Coast as a place people are proud to live and work. Inspired by world-leading waste systems he's seen overseas, he's eager to help bring that same long-term thinking home.

Tell us a bit about yourself. 

My name is Benny Head, I'm 62 and I've called the northern Gold Coast home for more than 25 years – first Stapylton and Yatala, and now Ormeau for the past 12 years. Over the years I've managed fast-food businesses, spent two decades in farming and served 13 years as a manager at the Lodge. 

What made you nominate to be a member of the Community Reference Group? 

I have a genuine passion for recycling and sustainability. I also want to help elevate the northern Gold Coast's reputation as a vibrant growth corridor and an attractive destination for people to live and work. 

Do you think Australians think much about where their rubbish goes once the bins are emptied? 

I don’t think most Australians give much thought to where their rubbish ends up after bin night – certainly not to the extent that some Europeans do. What impressed me in places like the Netherlands wasn’t just recycling culture, but the level of technology, regulation and long-term thinking behind their waste systems. Waste is treated as a resource to be managed responsibly, not just something to hide in landfill. I think that’s where ARRC has such an important role to play – through education, transparency and helping people better understand modern waste solutions.

What's the biggest opportunity ARRC will provide the Gold Coast? 

Education and sustainability. By empowering our community with knowledge and practical solutions, we can pave the way for a greener, more conscious future.

Has being on the CRG changed anything at home? 

It's inspired me to rethink how our household approaches recycling. Now, before anything goes into the bin, we take a moment to consider how we can recycle more thoughtfully and effectively.