Tony Kay, Catherine Sharpe, Wayne Heath, Mayor George Weston, Lesley Burke, Wayne Burke and Tony Wilden outside the site of the new Leeton Salvation Army shop. Photo: Supplied.
A secondhand and recycling shop in Leeton will reopen just days after closing, under a new lease agreement with nationwide charity the Salvation Army.
The reuse shop Reviva Leeton, located alongside the local tip (Leeton Landfill & Recycling Centre) announced it was closing late last month.
However, on Tuesday (1 April) Leeton Shire Council announced that following a comprehensive expressions of interest (EOI) process, The Salvation Army was selected as the preferred operator to take over the lease due to its extensive experience in managing recycling op shops and commitment to social and environmental outcomes.
Secondhand items in good condition can be donated to the new Salvation Army store, which then offers it for sale and uses proceeds to fund its charity work.
Council says its new lease arrangement with charity represents a valuable partnership that supports its sustainability goals while delivering long-term benefits for the community and the environment.
“This partnership aligns strongly with council’s objectives of reducing landfill waste and fostering community participation,” said Guy Retallick, council’s waste and recycling coordinator.
Reviva Leeton sold a lot of secondhand books. Photo: Supplied.
Council said The Salvation Army’s proposal stood out for its ambitious and socially focused approach, which includes providing work experience and training for individuals facing barriers to employment, delivering community workshops on upcycling, repair, and sustainability in collaboration with Repair Cafe International, and exploring future initiatives such as a community garden and an on-site cafe to enhance community engagement and skills development.
“This initiative is about more than just waste diversion — it’s about building a stronger, more connected community,” said Leeton Mayor George Weston. “By partnering with The Salvation Army, we’re not only extending the life of our landfill but also creating positive social outcomes for our residents.”
Reviva Leeton, run by not-for-profit social enterprise Resource Recovery Australia, thanked Leeton for its support.
“Thank you to everyone who supported our little reuse shop – whether you donated, shopped, or simply stopped by for a chat,” Reviva Leeton said on Facebook.
“It’s been a joy to be part of the Leeton community, helping give preloved items a second life and keeping valuable resources out of landfill.”
A soft opening of the new Salvation Army store, located at 732 Corbie Hill Road is planned for this Saturday 5 April.
