By BRIDGET COOK
A NOT-for-profit recycled art supply organisation is looking for a new place to park in Casey after being kicked out of its home of the past 12 years.
Reverse Art Truck has been told by the City of Casey that it will need to move from a shed at the Cranbourne Indoor Leisure Centre next year to make way for the expansion of the basketball stadium.
A petition, signed by more than 300 people, was tabled at last week’s council meeting calling for Casey to find the organisation a new home.
Reverse Art Truck sources warehouses and factories for seconds, rejects and off cut materials that can then be used by schools, childcare centres, kindergartens and other organisations for art, craft, festivals and events.
The Cranbourne location, one of only two in the state, has a database of more than 450 organisations which are calling for the service to be given a new home.
Manager Carol Smyth said her organisation was told by the council that there was nowhere else they could reside but she hoped they would look into it.
“The council is spending $9.5 million expanding both the rugby field and basketball stadium, and all we need is a tin shed,” she said.
“The council should have priorities for its residents in offering them this invaluable resource and they should also be forthcoming when it comes to the environment and reducing the amount of waste going to landfill.”
Ms Smyth said the service was of great benefit to the community.
“It enables business to recycle their unwanted seconds and overrun products,” she said.
“It saves businesses in waste disposal fees and helps reduce the amount of waste going to landfill.
“Schools and other facilities then have access to a myriad of materials suitable for projects at very reasonable rates, thereby enabling them to channel their funds into other areas.”
City of Casey councillor Amanda Stapledon tabled the petition on behalf of Reverse Art Truck at the council meeting last week.
The councillors resolved for council officers to meet with the organisation to work with it to identify a new location within Casey so the service can continue.
“This is a great asset for the City of Casey,” Cr Stapledon said.
“It also helps reduce the amount of waste going into landfill, which is always a bonus.
“I want to emphasise the need to retain this service in Casey.
“Let’s get behind this great organisation and try and find them a new location.”
Ms Smyth urged anyone who could offer them a space in Casey to do so.
“Our current premises are about 612 square metres,” she said.
“If anyone knows of a suitable premises, please let us know, keeping in mind that we are a non-profit organisation and, basically, pay little to no rent at present.”
To contact Reverse Art Truck call 5995 3168.
