26 February 2025
Southern Downs residents turned their unwanted items into cash on the annual Garage Sale Trail last November, generating more than $27,890 and extending the life of over 5,311 pre-loved items, 42% of which would otherwise have gone to landfill.
Results of a recently released report by Garage Sale Trail and Taverner Research Group highlighted the outcomes of the waste reduction initiative made possible by Southern Downs Regional Council and the Queensland Government’s Recycling & Jobs Fund. It showed a win-win for locals, with the average garage sale organiser taking home $499 and shoppers saving money too with access to cheaper, secondhand products.
Southern Downs Councillor Sarah Deane said the research highlighted the local community’s commitment to reduce waste.
“Programs like Garage Sale Trail are important in shifting perceptions of secondhand and getting more people reusing items rather than sending them to landfill,” Councillor Deane said.
Across Southern Downs over 1,971 people participated in the two big weekends of garage sales which aimed to provide a fun way for residents to reduce waste, make some money and get to know their neighbours.
Looking across the state, 57,506 people participated in the council-powered circular economy event in Queensland, with over 173,000 pre-loved items sold and $890,000 generated for the local economy.
With an 18% increase in the number of people shopping secondhand over the two big weekends, General Manager of Garage Sale Trail Barbara Gill said it’s likely the rising cost of living is driving an increasing appetite for secondhand.
“More and more people are looking for ways to generate some extra cash or save money on everyday items,” Ms Gill said.
“Buying and selling secondhand is one easy way we can all do this, whether it’s hosting a garage sale or selling items online on platforms like eBay.”
Locals keen to clear out and cash-in can now register their interest in the 2025 event, which takes place on 8-9 & 15-16 November, at
www.garagesaletrail.com.au.
BACKGROUND
Garage Sale Trail is Australia’s festival of pre-loved stuff, encouraging residents to sell, shop and learn about the circular economy.
Research on the Garage Sale Trail program was conducted by Taverner Research Group. 22% of registered sellers completed an online survey following their participation in the program in November 2024.
Across Australia in 2024:
● 297,792 Australians sold or shopped at 13,238 garage sale events on 9-10 & 16-17 November.
● 755,261 pre-loved items were sold over the two weekends, 41% of these items would otherwise have gone to landfill.
● $3.8 million was generated for the community through the sale of pre-loved items.
In Queensland, Garage Sale Trail 2024 was made possible with support from 15 local government partners and the Queensland Government.
Last edited date 26 Feb 2025