Included in your FBA membership. This event is for Family Business Members and Advisor Members.
Celebrate National Family Business Day at Australian Paper Recovery (APR Kerbside), a family business paving the way for sustainability. They are the first in Australia to use advanced recycling technology and the first in Victoria to operate without glass. Meet the Thorpe family, go behind the scenes at their Truganina facility, and hear their story and how they are improving the quality of all recyclables.
APR Kerbside was founded by Darren Thorpe in 2002. Over the years, the business has grown significantly, now employing more than 85 staff. Darren was later joined by his daughter, Marne, who represents the second generation of leadership and currently serves as Head of APR Kerbside. The company prides itself on innovation and its ongoing commitment to advancing the recycling industry. These efforts were recently recognised with the 2025 Leader of the Year Award from the Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards.
During this event, you will get an exclusive tour of their facility, hear from the family, including Darren and his daughter, Marne. They will discuss how the business started, key innovations initiated by APR, and their state-of-the-art technology.
This event is a chance to see how the Thorpe family has built and expanded their business over more than 20 years and become one of Australia's leading sustainability pioneers in the industry.
What to expect:
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Facility Tour: Go behind the scenes at APR Kerbside's Truganina facility and learn about their new technology and why being glass-free is so important.
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Celebration: This Meet the Owner event will be a chance for the community to celebrate National Family Business Day together with the family.
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Family Business Story: Hear firsthand from Darren and Marne about how the business was started as a solo venture.
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Sustainability: They'll share why sustainability is a core priority and how they have been changing the industry to improve the quality of recyclables.
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Engaging the Next Generation: Discover how APR Kerbside has involved the next generation in the business, how the transition to leadership roles unfolded, and how the family has preserved their values across generations.
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Networking Opportunities: Connect with fellow family business owners and industry peers, share experiences, and build valuable relationships that can support your business's future growth.
Meet APR Kerbside
Australian Paper Recovery (APR Kerbside) is a family-owned business passionate about advancing recycling solutions while leading the way in sustainability. They are best known for being the first in Australia to use advanced recycling technology and the first in Victoria to operate without glass, working with councils across Victoria to have glass separated from the yellow bin. Their team is dedicated to improving the quality of all recyclables, reflecting their family values of quality, innovation and operational excellence.
Founded by Darren Thorpe in 2002, APR Kerbside was established with a vision to advance the recycling industry. The business grew steadily, now employing more than 85 staff, and Darren's daughter, Marne, joined the business, eventually becoming Head of APR Kerbside as the business expanded its reach and sustainability initiatives. Their Truganina facility processes recyclable materials for councils throughout Victoria.
Today, APR Kerbside operates as one of the industry's leading sustainability pioneers. The company prides itself on innovation and its ongoing commitment to advancing the recycling industry. These efforts were recently recognised with the 2025 Leader of the Year Award from the Waste Innovation and Recycling Awards. The business has successfully transitioned to include second-generation leadership under Marne's guidance while maintaining the innovation-first approach and operational excellence Darren established over 20 years ago.
Why Come Along?
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Gain exclusive insights into the operations of a successful family business.
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Learn first-hand from the family behind the business about their opportunities and challenges.
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Expand your network within the FBA community and enjoy a relaxed environment for learning, sharing, and connecting.
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Find inspiration and practical ideas for your own business.
Event Details
This event is being held at APR Kerbside's Truganina location. There is on-site parking available.
Please arrive promptly at 8:30am and enjoy networking, a panel discussion and a tour of their state-of-the-art facility and warehouse. The Thorpe family will provide drinks and nibbles for you to enjoy.
If you have any questions, need assistance with registration, or require support on the day, please contact Rebecca Meyer at rmeyer@familybusiness.org.au. Alternatively, you can reach FBA's Office by calling 1800 249 357.
