Community Connection in Rockhampton

The Rockhampton region is located in Central Queensland on the lands of the Darumbal people, with the Fitzroy River running through the township and the beautiful Mount Archer National Park bordering the Eastern side. The natural environment is both respected and appreciated in this stunning Australian heartland. 

The community spirit in Rockhampton is unique. A country town on a broader scale where people care for and support one another. As a social enterprise, community connection is part of Resource Recovery Australia’s core purpose. The Rockhampton community has welcomed us and #Waste2Wages with open arms. 

Our reuse shop, Reviva Ibis, has become a safe and welcoming community hub. A place where we have welcomed upcyclers, second-hand lovers and vulnerable community members searching for kindness and social interaction. Our friendly team have served over 15,500 community members, people from all walks of life.  

Partnering with other community organisations has helped RRA become a welcome addition to the Rockhampton community.  

Since May 2022, we have partnered with Multicultural Australia on a program in the Upcycle Village that adjoins Reviva Ibis reuse shop. In just 6 weeks, we have donated over 3.5 tonnes of goods for reuse and upcycling as part of a program to upskill locals with a Certificate II in Construction. The result has been an impressive range of upcycled furniture made from pallets, damaged furniture and even surfboards, all diverted from landfill and building essential skills in our diverse community.  

RRA Queensland Manager, Jeff Prater, is a passionate advocate of community connection and upskilling. 

Jeff said, “Partnering with Multicultural Australia has helped build a strong connection with a diverse part of the Rockhampton community. It has been great to see the participants build skills, confidence and understanding of reuse, upcycling and construction through this program.” 

Our leadership team have been working with a second local not-for-profit, Central Queensland Multicultural Association, on a structured work experience program that will help people with diverse backgrounds build their Australian employment skills and knowledge. The program is expected to launch early in the new financial year. 

RRA’s connection with the Rockhampton community is possible with the support of Rockhampton Regional Council. Council’s vision for the Upcycle Village is for the space to be a community melting pot for recycling, repurposing and reuse. A space with a community heart that hosts workshops, enables repair, and boosts skills in our community to help deliver zero waste by 2050.