Mitchell Shire Council will expand the operation of its Reuse Shops at the Wallan and Seymour Resource Recovery Centres, strengthening Council's commitment to reducing waste to landfill and supporting a circular local economy.
The decision was endorsed at the December Council Meeting, with Council awarding a two-year contract to Community Resources Limited (trading as Resource Recovery Australia) following a public Expression of Interest process.
Reuse Shops play an important role in keeping usable items in circulation, diverting waste from landfill and reducing the environmental impacts associated with producing and disposing of goods.
Mayor John Dougall said the expansion delivers practical environmental and community benefits.
"Reuse Shops give household goods and materials a second life helping to cut down on waste and support sustainable living" Cr Dougall said.
"They are a simple, practical way to support a local circular economy right here in Mitchell Shire."
Council's Waste and Resource Recovery Strategy 2030 includes actions to improve and expand Reuse Shops to increase landfill diversion. Under the expanded operation, the Seymour Reuse
Shop will open for the first time, while the Wallan Reuse Shop will expand its opening hours with more consistent access for the community. Both sites are scheduled to open in early 2026.
"The expanded operation of our Reuse Shops will offer our communities a resource for recycling of household goods," Cr Dougall said.
"Resource Recovery Australia also intend to expand services on site to include reuse and repair services in partnership with other local not for profit organisations.
"It's about making better use of what we already have and reducing our environmental footprint as a community."
Resource Recovery Australia is a not-for-profit social enterprise with experience operating Reuse Shops for local governments. The not-for-profit operator expects to create up to nine local jobs across the two sites, with a strong focus on providing employment opportunities for people who face barriers to work, while also delivering affordable reuse options for the community.
Matt Curtis, General Manager of Resource Recovery Australia, said: "Reuse shops play an important role in supporting both the environment and the community. Through this partnership with Mitchell Shire Council, we are excited to create local employment and training opportunities for people who face barriers to work, while giving reusable items a second life. Our focus is on making reuse easy, accessible and beneficial for the whole community."
The contract is for an initial two-year trial, with an option to extend for a further two years subject to performance and Council needs.
