Emerald Reuse Market
Outlook Australia is set to strengthen its impact in Central Highlands, further expanding its partnership with Central Highlands Regional Council. On 20 November 2024, Outlook will officially take over management of the Emerald Trash to Treasure Shop. This expansion builds on our existing operations in the region, where our team already manages the Tieri Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre as well as the Blackwater Landfill and Resource Recovery Centre, fostering strong community engagement and environmental stewardship.
By extending operations in Central Queensland, Outlook aims to provide even more employment opportunities for disadvantaged workers, helping individuals find work and grow meaningful careers. With a further eight Queensland sites mobilising in the coming weeks, Outlook’s reuse markets and recycled goods stores are a core part of the organisation’s mission to divert waste from landfill and promote sustainability. Residents can donate household items to the Emerald Reuse Market, ensuring anything in reuseable condition is offered for resale before heading to the resource recovery and landfill facilities on site.
Included in Outlook’s proposal for the Emerald Reuse Market is the provision of drop-off bins as well as donation bay ahead of the Emerald Resource Recovery Centre gatehouse to encourage residents to further support the reduction of waste to landfill. Outlook will also offer enhanced community engagement opportunities through hosted site tours for local school groups, early learning centres and other interested community organisations wanting to learn how to contribute more to waste reduction initiatives.
‘Outlook is looking forward to working with the Emerald community to create a more sustainable and inclusive community,’ said Lori Giles, Outlook Australia Regional Manager for Queensland. ‘Every 150 tonnes of waste we recover or upcycle creates one job for the local community which is an exciting opportunity for Central Highlands,’ she continued.
Proceeds from Outlook recycled goods shops and reuse markets are reinvested into creating employment opportunities for those facing social barriers, such as long-term unemployment, mental health challenges, migrant and refugee backgrounds, and workers with disabilities. Outlook empowers these individuals to gain valuable skills and secure mainstream employment within its social enterprises or elsewhere.
Outlook Australia’s reuse markets have already proven successful in regional locations across Queensland (Yeppoon and Biloela) and Victoria (Hampton Park, Mornington, and Melton). Each site offers a wide variety of affordable items, including furniture, building materials, tools, clothes, books, toys, bikes, and plants, further promoting community engagement and education about sustainability.
By expanding into Emerald and receiving recyclables from other facilities through the region, Outlook continues its commitment to creating a sustainable, circular economy while empowering communities across Queensland.