Rethinking project waste: Giving furniture a second life through Warrah Society

When preparing for demolition and strip out works, there is often a valuable window of opportunity to identify furniture, equipment and materials that still have plenty of life left in them.

During Scope Projects’ recent project at 126 Phillip Street, the team recognised that a range of quality office furniture and appliances could be put to better use rather than being disposed of. This led to a conversation with Warrah Society, a not-for-profit organisation in Dural that provides services and programs for children and adults living with intellectual disabilities.

Following discussions between Scope Projects’ Peter Borovac and Chris Deeb, HSEQ Manager Ewi Stephens and the team at Warrah, the items were donated and distributed across several of Warrah’s programs and facilities.

The donation included a fridge, microwave, armchairs, folding tables and chairs, and a coffee table. These items are now supporting Warrah’s Micro-Enterprises Program, staff training facilities and volunteer accommodation.

Supporting the Warrah community

Warrah’s Micro-Enterprises Program supports people with intellectual disabilities to develop vocational and life skills through small business initiatives based on their interests and strengths. Other donated items are being used for employee training and within the accommodation provided to young adults who travel from Germany to volunteer at Warrah for 12 months.

In a letter to Scope Projects and Montis Consultants, Warrah Community Engagement and Marketing Manager Petricia Augustus shared the impact the donation is already having across the organisation.

“Donations such as yours help us create welcoming, functional spaces that enhance learning, wellbeing and community connection across Warrah.”

The letter also acknowledged the difference the donation is making to Warrah’s participants, employees and volunteers, while helping the organisation continue its work supporting people with disability to live meaningful and fulfilling lives.

Thinking beyond the immediate project

For Scope Projects, this initiative represents more than diverting furniture from landfill. It demonstrates what can be achieved when project teams look beyond the immediate construction scope and consider how existing resources can continue creating value elsewhere.

“By identifying these items early and connecting with an organisation like Warrah, we can reduce unnecessary waste while supporting programs that deliver a genuine benefit to the community,” Scope Projects Managing Director Peter Borovac said.

“Knowing these items are now being used across Warrah’s services makes the initiative particularly meaningful for our team.”

The successful donation from 126 Phillip Street has also created an opportunity to make reuse and donation considerations a more consistent part of Scope Projects’ delivery approach.

Scope’s HSEQ team is developing a reporting process within Procore to help identify and track suitable opportunities across future projects. Triggers have also been introduced to prompt the team to contact Warrah when appropriate furniture or equipment becomes available before demolition and strip out works commence.

Not every project or item will be suitable for donation. However, introducing a process that encourages project teams to consider reuse earlier will help ensure valuable opportunities are not missed.

Creating value beyond the build

Scope Projects is committed to exploring practical ways to reduce waste and contribute positively to the communities in which we work.

The donation from 126 Phillip Street demonstrates how early planning, collaboration and a willingness to think differently can extend the value of existing resources well beyond a project site.

Through its growing relationship with Warrah, Scope Projects looks forward to identifying further opportunities to give suitable furniture and equipment a second life while supporting the organisation’s important work.

To learn more about Warrah and the services it provides, visit www.warrah.org.au.