Sustainability plays a pivotal role in securing a healthy planet for future generations, and we’re proud to contribute to this mission at Momentum Collective. Partnering with the Ballina Council, our teams’ efforts make a meaningful difference in reducing environmental burdens while fostering a cleaner, healthier world for everyone.
A cornerstone of our sustainability efforts is the work undertaken at the Salvage Shed in Ballina. This unique space offers an eclectic mix of reclaimed and pre-loved goods salvaged from the Ballina Waste Facility, inviting locals to discover and reuse valuable items. By diverting tonnes of reusable materials from landfills, the environmental impact of manufacturing is reduced and sustainable practices that benefit our community are championed.
The Salvage Shed’s success is a testament to the power of economic and environmental sustainability. Last year alone, the Shed recycled around 300 tons of materials that would have otherwise ended up in landfills. For perspective, that is the equivalent weight of 150 average-sized cars!
Creating Opportunities
At the heart of the Salvage Shed’s mission is a commitment to social inclusivity. We provide meaningful work opportunities for people with disability, enabling them to contribute to the community actively. The Salvage Shed is where employees thrive by breaking down barriers and valuing local skills and talents. Over 20 people with disability are employed at the Salvage Shed, working more than 2,200 hours monthly. This work assists them in achieving financial independence, boosts self-esteem and fosters a sense of belonging.
Tailored training programs ensure that each employee can confidently perform their roles. These job specific skills, ranging from waste management to recycling techniques, are also transferable to other areas of life, contributing to the overall development of our team members.
Meaningful Initiatives
One of the highlights at the Salvage Shed is the bicycle salvage area, a popular section managed by Glendon, affectionately known as the ‘bike man.’ With years of experience running bicycle businesses, Glendon restores bikes to a sellable condition, piecing together parts from various sources. He shares his passion and expertise with his colleagues, supporting them to develop new skills.
“This type of work interests many of the people working here and enables them to build a whole new skill set. This initiative empowers individuals, making them more employable and opening future opportunities in the local job market.,” Glendon explains.
In addition to bikes, the Shed has a vibrant horticultural corner, the newest addition to its many offerings.
“Our staff have been salvaging plants that have been thrown out and with some of them having studied horticulture, they’ve taken it upon themselves to give the plants new life,” says Jen Evans, Momentum Collective’s Retail Area Manager for Ballina.
The salvaging process is simple and effective. Team members visit the waste facility located behind the shed numerous times a day bringing back loads of goods that they deem salvageable. From bike parts, electrical appliances and tools to plants, car parts and useful items, the team have developed a sharp eye for spotting things that can be sold as is or need a little work to restore.
Momentum Collective’s management of the Salvage Shed at the Ballina Resource Recovery Centre exemplifies how social responsibility, economic empowerment and environmental sustainability can overlap to create lasting positive change.
For more information on the Salvage Shed, visit our page or call our friendly team on .
We acknowledge the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we live and work, and pay respect to Ancestors, Elders both past, present and the emerging Jarjums.
