Like many smaller communities, Coochiemudlo Island continues to have an active trade of used and pre-loved items between connected neighbours and friends, helping many to save money, time and transports from the island.
Residents are reusing, recycling and repurposing things found in and around the house, from furniture to toys, clothes and garden tools to books and knickknacks. It is also a great way for a community to connect and be creative – and to reduce landfill at the same time.
Some of these exchanges and bargains are made via word of mouth and on Facebook of course, but once a month, the Coochiemudlo Op Shop opens its door and many locals – and also visitors to the island – come by for a browse. Pick up that cheap extra shelf for the laundry, find a collectable cup or another decorative or useful household item – you never know what treasure you might find.
Items are donated throughout the month and the sales benefit the Coochiemudlo Recreation Club. This little local op shop benefits the community in so many ways.
For nearly five years the Coochiemudlo Op Shop has been organised by island resident Kate together with other volunteers on the sales days.
"Almost daily the Op Shop receives goods,” she said.
It was started over 15 years ago and has grown to have a whole of community focus. Many times, items are passed along to families in need at little or no cost.
Due to the sheer volume, the items donated cannot be readily stored at the Op Shop Shed or the backup storage offered by the co-ordinator in her carport and spare room. The planned community shed with a slightly larger operating space may alleviate some of these issues.
Items unlikely to be sold as they are broken, not fit for purpose or too numerous in stock are passed along to mosaic makers, crafts people and an indigenous artist who paints onto wooden items. Among the repurposed craft and art works are steampunk items and burnt etching art works.
The island’s artists find inspiration in Coochie’s beautiful land and seascapes and many residents are getting crafty and creative.
Some are taking creative recycling and sustainability to another level, exposing their objects in art expositions or selling them on markets or online.
Conservation advocate and creative Narelle Renn regularly shows and sells her papercraft, using ripped and soaked old leaflets and paper to create colourful bowls and playful figurines.
Jacquie Creswell uses sustainably sourced local vines, declared weeds and found plastic fibres to weave beautiful baskets and sculptures.
Silversmith Richard Moon creates unique designs of jewellery with elements of repurposed copper, stingray leather or even vintage linoleum. He has even incorporated monopoly houses.
These three artists were also part of this year’s Island Made exposition at the Redlands Art Gallery.
Maybe a visit to Coochiemudlo and the op shop sale will give you a chance to discover an unusual gift or a treasure, or give you ideas how your community can get creative to give pre-loved items a new home – and to get to know your neighbour in the process.
The next op shop sale on Coochiemudlo takes place on Saturday, August 26 from 8am to noon.
Follow the signage to the community shed on Elisabeth Street next to the Recreation Club.
It is a short walk from the Coochiemudlo Ferry Jetty.
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