“We are one!” - Waterloo Recycling Workshop

Michael Neville from the City of Sydney was there to offer congratulations and support. “All this good stuff would otherwise be landfill,” he reminded those gathered to celebrate over cake, tea and coffee.

The Recycling Workshop is an activity of the Factory Community Centre in Raglan Street. Michael Shreenan of the Factory is very impressed by the success of the service. He attributes the success to the leadership of co-ordinator, Naomi Ward, and a “great team” of volunteers. “It’s very positive for Waterloo Green,” he said.

Mr Shreenan expressed hope that, building on the success of the WRW, a commercial market will soon be established in Redfern Park, with up to 100 stalls. Revenue from the market, it is hoped, will help to fund the WRW as well as the popular Bike Club, aka the Nunnery Bike Workshop, on Monday evenings at Turanga. “Julian [Radcliff] is also doing a great job,” said Mr Shreenan. “The Bike Club has a Facebook site with 246 friends!”

Naomi Ward appreciates the commitment of volunteers. “Each volunteer contributes something important – sales, repairs, cleaning up, making the morning tea.” Ms Ward, who decorated the first anniversary cake, enjoys the community spirit at the Workshop. “We see regular customers,” she said. “It’s about helping out and catching up with each other.”

The Waterloo Recycling Workshop is happy to receive donations of furniture and non-electrical household items. Please bring to 1 Phillip Street on Friday mornings any time between 8.30am and 12pm, or contact Naomi Ward on 9516 1491.

Photo: Andrew Collis - Naomi Ward with volunteers, Diane and Russell

Source: South Sydney Herald September 2009 www.southsydneyherald.com.au