Since commencing operations at the Lakes Creek Road Facility in May 2021, RRA has been a valued partner in delivering sustainable waste management and community-focused outcomes.  

In alignment with RRC's Waste Strategy Plan 2020–2030, RRA embraced the ambitious goal of moving Rockhampton toward a zero-waste future. Within this context, their performance has been pleasing, achieving the diversion of 3,038 tonnes of waste from landfill by the end of FY24. Their proactive approach to reuse and recycling has transformed the facility into a model of best practice waste diversion.  

RRA's impact was immediate, with the senior leadership team inducting a new locally sourced workforce into their best-practice policies and procedures. The transformation of the Reuse Shop into Reviva Ibis is one of many highlights. The shop was rebranded, redesigned, and reimagined to showcase the beauty, utility, and value of reusable items. Functional shelving, categorised stock areas, and a purpose-designed outdoor yard have elevated the customer experience, fostering community engagement while maximising reuse opportunities.  

The Community Recycling Centre (CRC) was another standout success, with RRA implementing a 'sort and save' approach. Donations for Reviva Ibis were prioritised according to the waste hierarchy, followed by recycling. The frontline team actively engaged residents, educating them on waste diversion practices, and encouraging pre-sorting before entering the Transfer Station. Collaborative efforts between RRA and RRC resulted in new visual and written signage, further enhancing public understanding of recycling and reuse opportunities.  

At the Transfer Station, RRA fostered a cultural shift among staff, placing emphasis on customer education, community engagement, and maximising waste diversion. Through extensive training and development, the team successfully encouraged residents to adopt sustainable waste management practices, reducing disposal costs and increasing customer satisfaction.  

The early results of this partnership were remarkable, with 62 tonnes of waste diverted from landfill for reuse in the first six weeks of operations alone. With the addition of recycling activities, these outcomes have continued to grow, reflecting RRA's ongoing focus on identifying new diversion opportunities, fostering community education, and investing in team training and development.  

Beyond their operational achievements, RRA's commitment to employing local people, particularly those facing barriers to employment, has been transformative. By creating meaningful jobs and providing extensive training, they have not only built a skilled and motivated workforce but also enriched the social fabric of our community.  

I have been consistently impressed with RRA's professionalism, innovation, and dedication to delivering exceptional environmental, social, and economic outcomes.  

Their ability to work collaboratively with Council and the community, alongside their proven track record of safe and efficient operations, makes them a valuable partner in resource recovery. 

The Tinkerage at Reviva Dunmore operates with the support of Shellharbour City Council.

RRA works with Council to provide free drop-in sessions every Thursday and Friday as well as monthly special event workshops to build skills and understanding of the circular economy. 

Ryan Stirling, Waste and Resource Recovery Manager at Shellharbour City Council said, "The Tinkerage is a great little workshop in terms of teaching the community skills and encouraging people to reuse items."   

The Tinkerage, paired with Reviva Dunmore has become a community hub, a safe place for vulnerable community members to visit, to engage and to grow a passion for reuse and upcycling.  

Mr Stirling said, "I think it's important to the community. It provides a fantastic facility that they can drop off all these goods that would otherwise go to landfill."