The Tinkerage
The Tinkerage RRA Dunmore
The Tinkerage: Where Creativity, Community and Waste Diversion Meet
At Resource Recovery Australia, we see waste diversion as just the beginning of the story. It’s an opportunity to spark creativity, build community and give people the skills to see waste differently – contributing to a lasting circular economy. That’s the idea behind The Tinkerage, our free workshop space where everything starts with materials rescued from landfill.
In FY25, 797 people visited The Tinkerage across our sites at Dunmore and Rockhampton, taking part in hands-on workshops focused on repair, repurposing and reuse.
The Rockhampton Tinkerage is our newest, launched in late 2024 at the Lakes Creek Road Waste Management Facility. Supported by Rockhampton Regional Council, the space was recently expanded with a new awning, increasing its capacity and allowing workshops to run in all weather.
Since opening, the Rockhampton Tinkerage has run 30 workshops with 221 participants, diverted 4.93 tonnes of materials from landfill, repaired and resold 91 items, and provided 12 volunteer opportunities.
Our Impact FY25
THE TINKERAGE ROCKHAMPTON30 workshops
221 participants
4.93
tonnes of waste diverted from landfill
12
volunteer opportunities
91 items
repaired and resold
Our Impact FY25
THE TINKERAGE30 workshops
221 participants
4.93
tonnes of waste diverted from landfill
12
volunteer opportunities
91 items
repaired and resold
Kahli Pearson, Rockhampton Area Manager, says the community response has been incredible. “Our opening was a highlight,” Kahli says. “Months of planning for the launch during National Recycling Week paid off – we had 487 people attend. The community are highly involved.”
Workshops have ranged from practical repairs to creative projects, including turning salvaged casement windows into mirrors, making tyre dog beds, weaving bike wheels with recycled textiles, and crafting teacup candles and bird feeders.
“People are genuinely excited to come in and do a workshop. They want to do multiple workshops!” Kahli says.
The Tinkerage has become a hub for community connection. “Anyone from the community can be included,” Kahli says. “You don’t need tools or experience, and we offer different classes for all ages. People bring their friends and meet new people, and local support services – like the ‘Level Up Program’ for 15-19-year-olds who are disengaged from school – regularly attend.”
Looking ahead, Kahli and the team are excited to expand offerings. “We’re reaching out to the community to hold more workshops and drive more avenues of waste diversion,” she says. “We’re also planning to get more tools, like sewing machines, so we can do more textile recovery.”
“While transforming the way people treat waste is the goal, it’s the community and skill-building that have the most impact: “I love seeing people make friends and share stories, watching them be proud of their new skills and taking something they’ve made home. It’s fulfilling to watch the people in our workshops grow.”
Kahli Pearson RRA rOCKHAMPTON
“The Tinkerage is a vibrant community hub that empowers individuals of all ages and backgrounds to learn new skills, engage in hands-on projects, and participate in workshops focused on upcycling, repair, and sustainable living. It is a place where innovation meets environmental responsibility, and where community connections are strengthened through shared purpose.”
Giselle Parsons – Coordinator Resource Recovery Strategy at Rockhampton Regional Waste & Recycling
