Pamela Noal, of the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains, was one of the early instigators of the LBM Opportunity Shop in Blaxland, NSW. Celebrating five years of trading in 2024, Pamela says she is grateful to be part of the loyal team of volunteers who share a continued commitment to making this community volunteering story so great.
“To the credit of a small team, it has been incredibly fulfilling to have built up a loyal team of volunteers through time,” Pamela says.
“Rotary Recycles has been instrumental in supporting the community through some very tough times, including fires, floods and homelessness, and coping through challenges beyond what is considered ‘living a settled life and providing for family and loved ones’.
PICTURED: Pamela Noal, of the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains, is a driving force of the Rotary Recycles Opportunity Shop in Blaxland, NSW.
“The Op Shop is described as a fun place to shop, where customers never quite know what antics they become part of. Celebration themed days have been great connectors, with shared treats for International Women’s Day, Melbourne Cup Hat Day, Easter bonnet parades and the unique front window display in honour of ANZAC Day, with memorabilia provided by many volunteers on behalf of family service.”
“Rotary Recycles continues to support a growing list of community groups via repurposed goods, recycled clothing and general donations, including animal welfare, injury patients at the local hospital, and mental health support.”
These are just a few examples of how Rotary Recycles connects with communities and the many local projects that support those less fortunate and those left vulnerable by changed life circumstances.
Through the combined efforts of the Op Shop team and the Attunga Road goods sorting and storage team, Rotary Recycles provides funds for the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains to disperse as donations.
“Through the generosity of shared hours and shared friendships, there is much pleasure in being behind these pleasing contributions to Rotary,” Pamela says.
PICTURED: Pamela Noal, left, with 2023-24 District Governor Christine Owen, who was a happy Rotary Recycles customer.
“The team of 15 day managers and a fortnightly rotation of 27 volunteers is a tremendous shared effort. I extend my personal thanks to the Management Committee for its continued support of the project.”
Rotary Recycles began with a conversation between a tenant in a local building and the late Trevor Lloyd OAM, of the Rotary Club of Lower Blue Mountains, who saw potential for Rotary to offer to take on an existing Op Shop that was struggling to enlist sufficient volunteers, mainly due to ageing. Trevor’s foresight and determination to grow the idea became a highlight of his community service as a local resident and business proprietor in the Blaxland community.
PICTURED: The team at Rotary Recycles is called ‘The Happy Gang’.
Rotary Recycles continues to support a growing list of community groups via repurposed goods, recycled clothing and general donations, including animal welfare, injury patients at the local hospital, and mental health support.
“The team at Rotary Recycles is called ‘The Happy Gang’. Many friendships have been formed in lending a hand to community service and to those who are part of our story,” Pamela says.