Community members in Lakes Entrance have pitched an idea, as part of the State Government Pick My Project program, to establish a plastic upcycling centre that transforms plastic waste into treasure.

The Upcycled Plastics Discovery Centre, auspiced by not-for-profit employment services provider, Workways Australia, is based on the open source program Precious Plastics and aims to educate individuals, school groups and community organisations about the different ways plastic waste can be recycled to create new items.

The centre will also educate visitors on the importance of reducing our waste and reducing the amount of plastic in our environment.

Bryan McCormick, chief executive officer of Workways Australia, is providing organizational support for the project.

“The Upcycled Plastics centre will provide an important community education facility that aims to tackle an important problem faced by communities globally,”Mr McCormick said.

“By changing the way we think about waste, we can encourage a community led change to the way we consume and importantly, the way we dispose of our waste.”

The centre will incorporate machinery that repurposes the plastic waste to create new products.

Training and supervision will be provided to help visitors sort the plastic types and safely operate machinery.

“The centre will provide part time employment for two positions, including a community engagement officer whose role it will be to raise awareness in schools and other community networks,” Bryan said.

“This project can be a positive driver of change, and we’re excited to be a part of it.”

Community members can vote for the Upcycled Plastics Centre via the Pick My Projects website. Community support is required for projects to be considered by the State Government for funding.