Council’s Upcycle Village officially launched
Published on 12 August 2022
Today Council launched an innovative recycling program at the Lakes Creek Road Landfill.
The program, called the Upcycle Village, involves recovering resources from the waste stream and giving them a new life, instead of going to landfill.
The program opened in May 2022 and provides a working space for local organisations to establish and run upcycling programs and projects.
Council’s Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said the Upcycle Village goes hand in hand with Council’s goal of becoming a zero-waste community by 2050.
“The program not only diverts waste from landfill by enabling upcycling ideas into financially sustainable enterprises, but it also delivers social benefits and promotes our goal of zero waste,” Cr Latcham said.
“As part of the recently launched Upcycle Village, we have also entered a 12-month partnership with Multicultural Australia and their newly launched program, the Building Foundations construction program.
“This program helps unemployed locals to get construction skills, whilst turning incoming waste materials into new and restored furniture to be used for social housing - which is a fantastic opportunity for not only recycling but also for locals seeking employment.
“In fact, in the first three months of the program, three of the 13 trainees have already found full time employment because of the program which is just wonderful to see.
Resource Recovery Australia are also a key partner in the program, sourcing and handling suitable materials for use at the Upcycling Village.
“The Upcycling Village is a great example of a multi-agency partnership helping to deliver a program that has positive employment, social and environmental outcomes”.
If you are interested in being involved in the Upcycle Village contact Rockhampton Regional Waste and Recycling on 4932 9000 or head to www.rrc.qld.gov.au/waste.
Pictured L-R - Christine Castley (Multicultural Australia), Brittany Lauga, Cr Shane Latcham, Barry O’Rourke, Adam Klaproth (Anglicare), together with Building Foundations construction program trainees.