City of Busselton Council has announced a new partnership with Workpower, which has been engaged to manage and operate Council’s new Reuse Shop at the Busselton Waste Transfer Station.
Supported by the WA Government through a grant of $150,000 from the Waste Authority of WA, the reuse shop has opened to the public with a range of previously loved items ready to be sold at affordable prices.
Not only does reselling these items, too good to be thrown, mean that they won’t end up in landfill, it supports Workpower, a community not-for-profit organisation providing opportunities for people with disability, said Mayor, Phill Cronin.
“This is a wonderful initiative that offers genuine local employment opportunities and retail with a difference, all while promoting the sustainable practice of diverting waste from landfill,” said Mayor Cronin.
“Workpower provide a proven model, with reuse shops in Balcatta, Tamala Park and Kalamunda. Whether you are an artist, upcycler, looking to kit your home out or simply after a bargain, the reuse shop is a treasure trove of items looking for a new home.”
Workpower CEO, Lee Broomhall said the organisation was delighted to partner with the Council to launch the new reuse shop and create further employment opportunities for people with disability in the region.
“This is our fourth reuse shop and the first located outside the metropolitan area, marking an exciting milestone for Workpower. Reuse shops play an important role in effective waste management, diverting tonnes of reusable items from landfill and giving them a second life or purpose.”
“The skills and experience gained through working at our reuse shops provide people with disability a strong foundation in retail and waste management. This also adds to the diverse range of services that the Workpower Busselton team provides to local businesses and industries.”
Over the coming months, Council officers and the Workpower team will commence assessing and selling lightly-used household items that have a saleable value. While waste disposal fees will still apply to any goods presented at the Busselton Waste Transfer Station, all proceeds from the sale of the goods will be used to offset costs, including the ongoing employment of Workpower staff, while reducing landfill.
The City of Busselton Reuse Shop will be open Thursday – Friday 9am – 3pm and Saturday – Sunday 10am – 2pm.
