A fresh 'cycle' for the community

ADRA Chinchilla take over the local work for the dole program.

ADRA UPCYCLE: ADRA manager Domenic Chiappalone, supervisor Tania-Jane McGleshan and employee Scott Rowbottom at the local "work for the dole” initiative officially reopening under ADRA's guidance. Picture: Kate McCormack

THE Chinchilla ADRA team is adding another feather to its cap and has taken over the local work for the dole scheme on Railway St, previously run by One-Of-A-Kind.

ADRA op shop manager Domenic Chiappalone said the ADRA team was excited to take on the initiative which offers Western Downs residents an opportunity to work and develop skills while receiving income support payment from the government.

Supervisor Tania-Jane McGleshan said the initiative, overseen by Best Employment, offered residents a rewarding way to earn their money.

"Programs like ours are very positive for the region because they get residents out into the community again and gets them skilled up for potential future employment,” she said.

Current employee Scott Rowbottom said the six-months he'd spent with the scheme had given him a new-found sense of confidence.

"My wood work skills have improved and I have a ton of new knowledge I can now take to my future jobs,” he said.

The up-cycling timber program focussed solely on creating functional and beautiful pieces from reclaimed pallets donated from several Chinchilla businesses.

In the past participants have created projects from children's wheelbarrows to full-size guinea pig pens to planter boxes.

The program will receive minor overhauls ahead of an official community re-launch on Friday, October 4.

"We've decided to change the name to ADRA Upcycle and rename the work shed on Railway St in honour of a dedicated member of the ADRA team who passed away earlier this year, Paul Anderson,” Mr Chiappalone, said.

"Everyone is welcome to attend the re-launch.

"There will be activities and games for the children, including face painting, with $1 from every face painted donated to the Stanthorpe fire victims.”