Tom Pirie - The Man, The Myth, The Legend!
My name is Tom, better known these days as 10 Cent Tom. Not only do I have an intellectual impairment but also severe scoliosis, diagnosed at the age of 15.
To fix that, I underwent surgery and had two titanium rods inserted to correct my spine – but this did not stop me from becoming stronger and even more determined!!
During my final year of high school in 2020, I started collecting 10-cent recyclables from around my neighborhood and thoroughly enjoyed getting to know my community, making new friends, and making a bit of pocket money along the way.
My passion for recycling grew, and I found it challenging and adventurous to help the environment while connecting with the community.
Like many other Australians, I faced some setbacks due to COVID-19. I lost my traineeship, but on the other hand, was able to pursue my passion and turn it into my own nonprofit, 10 Cent Tom Limited.
My Vision: To ensure a socially, and environmentally, greener tomorrow for all - starting today!
Our Mission: To promote inclusive and environmentally wise societies, create equitable opportunities for people with disabilities, and make a positive impact, in the communities where we live and work.
One 10-cent container at a time!
As Tom's Mum, Co-Founder & Head of Operations at 10 Cent Tom Limited, I am committed to promoting and facilitating the employment of people with disabilities. My ultimate goal is to make a positive impact and improve the welfare and social participation of those living with disabilities, enabling them to lead their best lives.
My vision for managing 10 Cent Tom is to establish a recycling depot that will provide employment opportunities for people with disabilities. As a mother and advocate for my son who lives with intellectual disability, I am acutely aware of the challenges and barriers that people with disabilities face when trying to secure employment.
With 10 Cent Tom, I aim to create meaningful and purposeful employment opportunities that will have a positive impact on the environment and also help those living with disabilities to achieve their full potential.
Hi, My name is Euan Caswell. I love making movies & YouTube videos, my favourite films are my animations about my dogs Dougie & Theadore. I'm very excited to be a part of the 10 Cent Tom Team because I like to work so that I can save up money to cover the costs of my film design projects.
My hobbies are going outdoors and going to the local theme parks. This year I will be using the money I'm saving from work so that I can visit Disneyland Japan in 2026.
If you get some time, you should check out my YouTube @euanthemovieguy!
Carolyn Pirie
Euan Caswell
Jake Anstiss
Hi, my name is Jake,
I am very friendly, sociable and enjoy spending time with my family, friends and my fiancé. My hobbies include both watching and playing AFL, Cooking, making YouTube videos, attending church & being out in the community.
​
I am a lover of animals, much like Steve Irwin, who I admire. Recently I have been volunteering at the Animal Welfare League, which I really enjoy.
​
I am grateful for this opportunity to learn new skills and to work with 10 cent Tom.
​
My Fiancé and I are planning to get married and honeymoon in a few years time, which we are saving for. Our dream destination would be Paris and to visit Disneyland.
Kent Whittington
Hello. My name is Kent.
I am proud to be a member of the 10 Cent Tom team. This is my first role in paid employment (after volunteering for a while) and I am really enjoying the experience.
My interests include Basketball, Swimming, Titans All Abilities Tag, Themeparks, Boats, Music, and Construction sites
I enjoy being active with my mum, dad and sister. We go to the gym, play tennis and table tennis, do ParkRun, swim in the ocean and more.
I am curious and sociable ... and enjoy talking to people about all sorts of things ... so, if you see me out and about, please come over and say "hello"!
Kellie Momi
My name is Kellie and I am very excited to be working for 10 Cent Tom.
I was born in Canberra 34 years ago but moved to the Gold Coast 4 years ago. I like to serve at my church which is Kings Church Runaway Bay.
I like watching the footy especially the Titans and the Canberra Raiders. I also enjoy trying lots of different foods from different countries but I really love seafood the best!
I like dancing and travelling. So far, I have been to 19 different countries and have had some amazing experiences including swimming with Dolphins in Tahiti, Camel riding in Dubai and an Elephant experience in Indonesia. I have been on cruises on the Pacific Ocean, Indian Ocean and the Mediterranean Sea.
I love all animals especially the Port Jackson Shark and hope that by sorting bottles and cans for recycling we can help to save the planet for the future.
Mat Cornet
G’day! My name is Mat!
I’m 21 years old and love my family and friends! I really love working as well,
I do other jobs like mowing and cleaning when I’m not helping Tom!
For fun, I like to relax and listen to tunes with my feet up! I also love gaming, my fav is a lawn mowing game, which I know is a bit funny!
I really love the opportunity to work with Tom, as I love cruising around the Gold Coast in the van, I love lifting the heavy bins, it’s like a free gym workout!
I love going on holidays too! The most recent was to Broome in WA.
Dave Harmer
Hi, my name is Dave.
I’m 51 years old and grew up in Sydney, though I now live in Ormeau with my big, close‑knit family.
I’m an easy‑going bloke who loves to laugh, help people, and tell a good story. My quick sense of humour keeps everyone smiling, as do my favourite sayings: “Oh goodie!” and “It’s cheap!”
​
Outside of work, I enjoy playing darts, painting on canvas, riding my bike, and going shopping (which I love). I’m a Bulldogs fan in the NRL, and my favourite song is Agadoo – I call it the “money tree” song.
In my spare time you’ll often find me cooking, heading to the shops, or planning my next cruise holiday.
​
I’m really happy to be part of the 10 Cent Tom team, and I’m looking forward to everything ahead.
Mackenzie Kello
Hi, I’m Mackenzie.
I’m 22 years old and live in Upper Coomera. I’m a caring, fun person who loves a good joke and staying fit and healthy. I’m a big fan of Marvel movies, cartoons, bowling, Lego, swimming, the gym, and playing snooker with my Triple 8 Snooker group.
I also enjoy spending time at the library and being out in the community.
My family means a lot to me, and so does being part of the 10 Cent Tom team. I love that my job lets me help others and learn new skills.
​
A fun fact about me is that I have Prader‑Willi syndrome. It’s part of who I am, but it doesn’t stop me from being social, active, and enjoying life.
My motto is “Sorry not sorry,” and I’m currently saving for a holiday - one of my big goals.
Louise Churches
Hi, I’m Louise.
​
I’m the Chief Executive Officer of 10 Cent Tom Limited, guiding our mission to build cleaner, greener and more inclusive communities across South East Queensland.
​
With 28 years’ experience in communications, public relations, stakeholder engagement and purpose‑driven campaigns, I bring a career grounded in clarity, connection and impact. I’ve been fortunate to work across many sectors, but the work that matters most to me is the kind that creates genuine opportunities for people and strengthens communities.
​
My connection to 10 Cent Tom began more than five years ago through community partnerships, and later as a member of the Board. Over that time, I developed a deep appreciation for our purpose, our people and the difference this organisation makes every day.
​
As CEO, I am committed to growing our environmental and social impact, expanding inclusive employment opportunities for people with disability, and strengthening the systems that enable our mission. This includes contributing to Queensland’s legacy goals in the lead‑up to the Brisbane 2032 Olympic and Paralympic Games, where inclusion, sustainability and community participation remain central.
​
I believe in leadership with heart, purpose in action, and the power of turning small actions into real change. I am proud to be part of an organisation that exists to turn eligible containers into meaningful outcomes, for people, planet and purpose.
​
(Fun Fact: At 10 Cent Tom, we like BIG BINS and we cannot lie…!)
