One more ibis has made its home at the Lakes Creek Road Waste Management Facility – but this tip turkey is set to help reinvent the ways we think about waste.
It's been just over a month since social enterprise Resource Recovery Australia (RRA) opened the doors of the 'Reviva Ibis' reuse store, and in a short time they've made a big impact through their '#Waste2Wages' business model.
Waste and Recycling Councillor Shane Latcham said the ibis makes the perfect mascot for the new reuse store.
"We're quick to talk trash about ibis – just like we are about our rubbish – but it's time we change our mind on both," said Cr Latcham.
"As our community moves toward zero waste, I believe the Reviva Ibis can play a big role in changing attitudes.
"The new reuse store looks fantastic, and shopping here is a great retail experience.
"It's filled with high quality second hand items that people simply don't have a use for anymore. Rather than drop once loved items at the landfill, residents have brought them here to find a second life.
"Many of the biggest changes, however, have gone on behind the scenes."
RRA Queensland Manager Jeff Prater said their focus is on keeping waste out of landfill, creating employment and training opportunities, and giving back to the community.
"RRA operates on a '#Waste2Wages' model, and the company prides itself on creating stable employment and training opportunities for people facing barriers to work," Mr Prater said.
"Nationwide more than 75% of RRA's team were experiencing barriers to work when they started their jobs.
"Already in Rockhampton we've provided employment for 13 people and created 11 formal, transferable training opportunities – including forklift, test and tag, HSR and first aid.
"And we've begun donating items to local community organisations, including bikes for the Flexible Learning Centre and boxing equipment to the PCYC.
RRA employee James Holder said it was excellent to gain employment as a Depot Hand at Reviva Ibis Rockhampton.
"It was the best news I've heard for a very long time," said Mr Holder.
"I've had the opportunity to work in multiple areas, the CRC, the shop and the transfer station. I love it all equally, I just love it all."
"The more work I get, the happier I get."
Resource Recovery Australia is a national social enterprise that works in waste management to keep waste out of landfill, create jobs for people experiencing barriers to work, and to engage and connect people in our communities.
