Port Stephens is set to become a hub of second hand shopping, joining the national Garage Sale Trail over 2 weekends in November.
On the 9 to 10 November and 16 to 17 November, 42 residents will open their garage doors and invite the community to discover hidden treasures.
Port Stephens Mayor Leah Anderson has supported Council joining the Garage Sale Trail movement for the first time this year.
"The Garage Sale Trail is a fantastic opportunity to find incredible treasures, reduce waste, and connect with our community," said Mayor Anderson
"It's just one more way Council is contributing to the circular economy in Port Stephens – keeping products in use for as long as possible.
Across Port Stephens, there's 5 individual garage sales, 1 group sale, featuring 35 stalls and 1 business, Salamander Bay Recyclers.
Salamander Bay Recyclers spokesperson Paul Jakes said they're excited to help recycle and reuse unwanted items, turning trash into treasure for the community.
"We have so many treasures and interesting finds that come through our re-use centre, and so much of what is thrown away is as good as new, ready for a new home," Paul said.
A recent 2024 PayPal Garage Sale Trail Research Report Recent research by Fifth Quadrant revealed that the average Australian household has over $1,470 worth of unused or unwanted items.
The survey was conducted with 1,000 Australians aged 18 to 75 and looked at second hand selling and shopping trends across Australia.
Mayor Leah Anderson encouraged the community to get involved, find some bargains before Christmas and contribute to a more sustainable future.
"Buying second hand opens the door to quality finds, such as designer clothes, furniture, cookware, vinyl, kids' items and tools—all at a fraction of retail prices," Mayor Anderson said.
"It's a fantastic opportunity to connect with others while knowing that every dollar you spend goes right back into our community," she added.
Garage Sale Trail is Australia's biggest second hand treasure hunt with over 3 million pre-loved items going up for sale over two big weekends of garage sales.
Now into its teenage years, Garage Sale Trail has grown from a grass roots idea in Bondi Beach where it started in 2010 to being powered by over 80 councils nationally.
The project is a NSW Environment Protection Authority Waste and Sustainable Materials Strategy initiative, funded from the waste levy. Garage Sale Trail has received funding from the Queensland Government's Recycling and Jobs Fund.
The 'Garage Sale Trail' is happening over 2 weekends on 9 to 10 November and 16 to 17 November. Find garage sales near you or host your own garage sale to earn some extra cash at garagesaletrail.com.au/port-stephens
