Central Coast Council has been awarded an Outstanding Achievement Award recognising how both Council and the local community embraced the nationwide reuse program Garage Sale Trail this year.

Central Coast Council was one of only 14 councils to receive an award for their involvement in the annual campaign held over the weekend of 20 and 21 October 2018.

“This award is the result of a committed and passionate approach to the project by the Council staff involved," commented Co-Founder of Garage Sale Trail, Darryl Nichols.

“Through its involvement and promotion of the program, Central Coast Council demonstrated great leadership in sustainability and reuse and ultimately helped make this year's Garage Sale Trail such a success, both locally and nationally.”

With 301 sales and stalls registered, Central Coast placed in the top 10 of the 150 Councils that took part across Australia.

Mayor Jane Smith said it was great to see Council support this worthwhile national event, which supports Council’s Community Strategic Plan by improving environmental behaviours and increasing community connections.

“Our community are certainly committed to, and embrace reusing and recycling and I want to thank and congratulate them for making this year’s event such a huge success,” Mayor Smith said.

“The recently issued results have recorded more than 17,000 items sold across our region, with the average sale netting almost $300.

“$10,000 of this went directly to local charities, which will have more positive flow on effects to our community which is great to see.

“This year’s report has shown there were over 10,000 interactions as a result of the Garage Sale Trail, helping residents get to know their neighbours and feel more connected to their community.

“Importantly every garage sale on the Trail saw 516kgs of items reused and saved from landfill which is real benefit for our local environment.

“With 35 per cent of the event sellers admitting that without this event the items sold would have otherwise been thrown out, it has also helped us work towards our target of 45 per cent of domestic waste being diverted from our landfill sites.

“The average Australian creates over two tonnes of waste every year so it is great to know 88 per cent of local sellers are now more conscious about waste and understand their role in reducing it.

“We can all play a role in helping to minimise our waste and this amazing sustainable event brings attention to the positive impact reusing unwanted items has on our environment - a welcome reminder with Christmas only a week away.”

Visit garagesaletrail.com.au for more information on the best ways make money selling pre-loved stuff online and how to responsibly donate clothes to charity.

ENDS