The Canola Way Circular Economy

 

In the recent Federal election, commentators were generally agreed that it was a “COST OF LIVING” election. That stand out issue was closely followed by Housing/Homelessness with the Climate falling to something like fifth place in our 2025 priorities.

The Canola Way has answers to all of these issues packed up in just a day trip or two around our towns. The circular economy aims to reduce the amount of waste going to landfill by recycling unwanted furniture, clothing, homewares and books to be resold in the second-hand markets of one type or another. The sales of such items at a price well under the cost of new items provides much needed income for the many charities being relied upon increasingly to pick up the gaps between people’s income and their day-to-day expenses. Often charities such as Vinnies, Salvos and Anglicare are providing direct income support to the less well-off and homeless. Additionally, community organisations use the second-hand space to raise funds for other “good works” such as sporting organisations, medical research and such like. The Rotary bookstore in Temora is one such stellar example. Books can be purchased for as little as $1.00. Likewise if you’ve decided to pull your belt in to save for a home deposit, shopping the circular economy is a sensible, and wise, choice.

Not all second-hand retailers are operated by charities. Never-the-less, they provide a valuable service to the decorator and the DIY community providing antique, vintage and otherwise gorgeous options at reasonable prices. Diamonds and Dust at Temora is one such centre that provides a large eclectic collection to satisfy the most ardent browser. Its café options enjoy great popularity too so that you can spend even more time within. There are also Vinnies and Salvos options in the town so it’s definitely a place where an op-shop trawl can be enjoyed.

The Vinnies at Junee has a most welcoming staff and has kept its prices low, making it well worth a visit if you’re driving along the Way.

Once you arrive at Coolamon, you can enjoy popping into the Fusion Charity shop chock a block with bargains. Two second-hand vintage & antique collectibles stores can also be found in the main street. By their very nature each of these outlets is unique.

Ganmain, however, wins the prize for the most second-hand offerings per capita. Starting at Baldwyn’s (Baldo’s for short), junk haven for the bower birds among us, you can wander down to the main street to enjoy an amazing choice. The Craft Cottage has a second-hand collection of craft items that attracts crafters from far and wide. Their materials and sewing notions are up there with the best of the manchester shops of old. Next door is The Studio. Trendy vintage clothing can be found in this elegant space. Along one, the Curio shop sells second hand furniture, collectibles and odds and ends for the “junkie” in all of us. Further along is the Anglican Op Shop, full of reasonably priced items (antiques can be had for “near offers”).

Opposite, is the Faraway on Ford “brocante” . (That’s French for second-hand shop!) While Faraway does specialise in books, its curated space offers an atmosphere redolent of the up-market. Vintage linens and labels, upcycled furniture and quirky offerings abound.

Its worth noting to the travellers along the Way, that it’s important to check opening times. Some days may offer more open shops than others. Above all, these towns offer a feel-good shopping experience: economising, contributing to charity and saving the planet, in just one road trip!

We'll see you along the way!