Trash’s new look

By Paul Dunlop
TRASH turned into treasure is helping to give new direction in life to people with a disability.
Pakenhambased Outlook recently opened a new recycled goods shop at the town’s waste transfer station.
The old saying about one man’s trash being another’s treasure might be a cliche, but it certainly rings true for the new shop’s staff and management.
Outlook, formerly known as Minibah, develops programs for people with a disability. It has a special focus on encouraging participation and partnerships with the wider community.
The recycled goods shop, in Drovers Place, provides employment for many local residents and is operated in partnership with landfill management group Twigg.
Outlook chief executive officer Tony Fitzgerald said the new business was a real winwin.
“It’s helping to reduce waste to landfill and is providing jobs for people with disability,” he said. “The money goes to Outlook, which helps us to keep operating and keep providing services to the community.”
The shop sells a treasure trove of goods and there is a huge variety of items on offer, “everything from furniture to footy boots has been known to pop up from time to time”, Mr Fitzgerald said.
For the collector, a huge range of antiques, knickknacks and collectables is available.
For the gardener, a plethora of building materials including bricks, pavers and timber is for sale, all for less than “mate’s rates”, Mr Fitzgerald said.
“It’s a really good concept, and it would not be possible without Twigg who have been fantastic.
Outlook’s first recycled goods store opened in Hampton Park in 1997 and Pakenham marks the latest step in a steady expansion of its services around the southeast.
Mr Fitzgerald said it was well worthwhile taking the time to browse the constantly changing stock at the Pakenham shop.
The only issue for residents is finding they come home from the tip with more than they took.