How depot hand Ricky Bunug, 22, is turning trash into treasure at Reviva Reuse Shop at Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility

When Ricky Bunug applied for a depot hand position at Reviva Darwin in December, he wasn’t sure if he would hear back. Find out why.

Ricky Bunung with his colleague Stuart. Picture: Supplied

When Ricky Bunug applied for a depot hand position at Reviva Darwin in December, he wasn’t sure if he would hear back.

He had no work experience at the time, and his skills, he admits, were lacking.

“I didn’t think I’d get the job, to be honest,” said Mr Bunug, 22, after facing several rejections while on his job hunt.

But to his surprise, his mobile phone lit up later that week with a text message from Reviva’s recruitment officer.

“They wanted to have an interview with me,” said Mr Bunug, a born and bred Territorian.

Mr Bunug said he was “happy” to be hired on the spot. Picture: Supplied

Sure enough, he went in for an interview and was hired on the spot.

He was delighted, he said, but also nervous, seeing as it was his first job.

It didn’t take long for his nerves to settle, however, and within a couple of months he felt right at home.

“The experience has been really great, I’m loving it,” he said.

“I really feel like I’m helping out the community here.

“All my co-workers have been very supportive of me and I’ve learnt so much.”

Mr Bunug has developed plenty of skills since his arrival. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

From a shy applicant with limited skills, Mr Bunug has come a long way in the almost five months since his arrival.

“Leadership is a skill I’ve developed here,” he said.

“I’ve also learnt a bit of creative skills, working with a team and gained some confidence.

“Even on the opening day, I made a speech, even though I didn’t think I was very good at speeches and was a bit nervous, but after I did it I felt pretty good.”

Late last year, east coast-based not-for-profit RRA was awarded the contract to run the shop – formerly known as the Trash and Treasure Shop – after local disability services provided Helping People Achieve lost its tender bid to manage it.

Mr Bunug hopes people will give Reviva Darwin a chance. Picture: Pema Tamang Pakhrin

Although the City of Darwin faced strong community backlash for the decision, Mr Bunug said he encouraged people to at least give Reviva a chance.

“I understand that some people can be upset, I totally understand that,” Mr Bunug said.

“But I feel like the direction that we took now and the new company that took over, it’s been a great choice.

“We’re being more careful with what to bring in, and we’re bringing in stuff that can actually be reused and resold.

“I feel like its way better now than what is was before.”

Originally published as How depot hand Ricky Bunug, 22, is turning trash into treasure at Reviva Reuse Shop at Shoal Bay Waste Management Facility