Awards & Media

Recognition for impact | Celebrating sustainability, affordability and community.

2025 finalists

National Heart of Women Awards

We’re thrilled to share that founder Bethany Chambers is a multi-category finalist in the National Heart of Women Awards. This recognition reflects the simple idea behind Merry Go Round Toys: keep great toys in play, make second-hand easy for families, and create real community impact. It is a nod to the many hands who donate, shop, consign, repair and cheer us on.

Finalist categories:

Every toy we rehome stretches a family budget, keeps quality play within reach, and diverts good materials from landfill. Your donations, purchases and shares also fund our partner programs, from housing support to repair workshops. Thank you for helping turn a small local effort into a movement worth celebrating.

Awards & Honours

Recognition for sustainability and community impact

From local business awards to global stages, Merry Go Round Toys has been recognised for making great play affordable and planet kind. Highlights include

Podcast feature

Handpicked with Naomi Simson, Merry Go Round Toys

This chat goes beyond “lifestyle business.” Naomi explores Bethany’s purpose, the traction behind Merry Go Round Toys, and what growth could look like—from building the right team to whether franchising makes sense. It’s an honest, practical conversation about scaling a mission while keeping it personal.

Handpicked with Naomi Simson is a short podcast delivered each Monday which is just like having a mentoring session with one of Australia's most successful entrepreneurs.

Listen to the episode

In the media

Female Entrepreneurs Magazine, Feature on Bethany Chambers

The US edition profiles Bethany’s journey from adversity to advocacy, and how Merry Go Round Toys turns second-hand into opportunity—keeping quality toys in play, empowering families, and partnering locally to reduce waste. It’s a candid look at purpose-driven business and the momentum behind the mission.

What you’ll read: the spark behind the business, the courage to build around purpose, and practical ways community, consignors and partners help turn everyday donations into affordable play.

Read the feature

In the news

Redland City Bulletin features

Local press has followed Bethany’s journey from idea to impact—spotlighting her selection for global awards and the mission to make quality play affordable while cutting waste. These stories share how community support, consignment and repairs keep good toys in play for Redlands families.