Charity and social enterprise ‘Outlook Australia’ takes over Emerald tip shop

After a comprehensive procurement process, which saw a number of tenderers from national companies to a local operator, registered charity and social enterprise Outlook Australia has been awarded the contract to manage and operate the recycled goods shop Trash to Treasure in Emerald.

Situated in front of the Emerald Resource Recovery Centre, Trash to Treasure receives solid reusable items either directly from the public or from council’s domestic, commercial and industrial waste streams and helps to find them a new home.

Outlook manages waste and reuse facilities across Australia, including Blackwater and Tieri’s resource recovery centres, combining social and environmental outcomes.

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 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.’

Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Ross Musgrove said council was excited to work with Outlook towards a shared goal of less waste to landfill and improved sustainability.  

‘Council went out to tender for this contract earlier in the year and received a number of applications,’ Mr  Musgrove said.

‘These submissions were assessed in line with our procurement policies and criteria, and Outlook was the successful applicant.

‘We look forward to continuing to work with Outlook Australia and the local community to achieve our waste reduction goals and create a more sustainable future for the region.  

Outlook will take over the facility, located on Glasson Street, on 20 November 2024.

‘Council has worked with the outgoing operator to provide bins to assist with the site clean up at no cost and notified him of the outcome of the tender process when we were contractually able to do so.’ Mr Musgrove said.

Council’s Acting Chief Executive Officer Ross Musgrove acknowledged John Dawson of Trash to Treasure.

‘Council thanks John for providing a great service for our community for the past few years and wish him well for his future endeavours.’

(Photo credit to Outlook Australia)