Community group selected to operate Kyogle Tip Shop

Kyogle Council has selected the newly formed Kyogle Resource Innovation Collaborative (KRIC) to re-open and run the Kyogle Tip Shop.

Made up of a diverse range of community members who have experience in, and a passion for, recycling, reusing and upcycling waste material, KRIC is supported by Kyogle Together Inc.

Kyogle Council Mayor Cr Danielle Mulholland said the community had strongly supported the re-opening of the Tip Shop and Council was pleased the facility would once again be available to the broader community.

“This is a great result for the community and is consistent with Council’s commitment to encouraging recycling and reuse of materials, preventing them from ending up in landfill.,” Cr Mulholland said.

“It’s a win-win for all involved.

“And KRIC, which is a not for profit community group, will be able to earn an income stream so they can deliver community programs.

“KRIC’s vision is to create a community hub for social enterprise, resource recovery and sustainability education.”

The Tip Shop was closed in 2017 after the building was found to pose a number of health and safety risks. Council received funding last year to repair the building and earlier this year called for expressions of interest (EOIs) from local not for profit community groups to re-open and run the facility.

EOIs were received from two groups, both formed specifically in response to Council’s call, with KRIC’s proposal judged as providing the best service for the community.

Under its proposal, members of the public will be able to purchase raw materials, second-hand goods, repaired and restored items, and arts and crafts made from salvaged materials from the Tip Shop. Members of the public will also be able to donate goods and materials to the Tip Shop for resale, or use in upcycling projects.

KRIC also has plans to expand operations in future to include environmental education workshops, and arts and crafts workshops.

Over the coming weeks, Council will be working with the KRIC to get the Tip Shop ready to open for business. Further information, including opening days and times, will be announced in the near future.

In the meantime, KRIC is open to new members. If you are handy with a hammer or screwdriver, like building, fixing or restoring things, have an artistic flair or just would like to volunteer your time in a worthy endeavour, email your details to Kyogle Together Inc. at [email protected].