Circulanation is facilitating a partnership and planning process to establish a Reuse and Recycling Hub in Northern Australia, addressing the pressing need for affordable essential items in remote First Nations communities. Aligned with Closing the Gap, net-zero economy, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the project supports the economic, social, and cultural well-being of First Nations ...
Circulanation. - Remote Op shop Project
First Nations Circular Textile Transformation

GOAL
$200,000
Field of Interest
- Social inclusion and justice
Target Population
- Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples
- People experiencing socio-economic disadvantage or vulnerability

Circulanation, a registered Australian charity with DGR status, who mission is to accelerate the self-determination of First Nations peoples in remote Australia through empowered social and economic participation.
Our mission is to accelerate the self-determination of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through the cultivation of sustainable enterprises, that celebrate cultural vitality, respect Country, and drive social equality and economic prosperity.
We provide a safe and supportive learning environment, for people to develop and grow their ideas. Facilitating a capacity building pathway to develop entrepreneurial competencies, and provide business support and connections to networks to early-stage entrepreneurs seeking to establish their own business.
Our primary objectives are to:
- Increase entrepreneurial capabilities and competencies
- Increase self-employment, empowering jobs, and living local economies
- Increase the sustainability of new or existing Indigenous enterprises
- Enable empowered social and economic participation of Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander peoples
- Encourage cultural Identity as a basis through which to engage in the economy
- Contribute the growth of the Indigenous Economy and Indigenous Business Sector
Project Summary
Circulanation is facilitating a partnership and planning process to establish a Reuse and Recycling Hub in Northern Australia, addressing the pressing need for affordable essential items in remote First Nations communities. Aligned with Closing the Gap, net-zero economy, and the Sustainable Development Goals, the project supports the economic, social, and cultural well-being of First Nations peoples, in remote Australia.
Building upon the success of the Remote Op shop Project, operational since 2016 and collaborates with over 20 remote First Nations communities to establish community-owned op shops. Op shops provide access to affordable essential items, small business training and generate independent funding to support cultural activities, operating as social enterprises grounded in circular economy principles.
Currently 30,000 Facebook followers contribute over 100,000 kg of pre-loved items annually to the op shop network, however growing demand from remote communities to establish op shops and access affordable essentials has prompted the establishment a Reuse and Recycling Hub. This Hub sources end-of-line stock from Apparel and Textile brands, redistributing items back to the op shop network and other partners – minimising waste while maximising the network’s viability and sustainability.
The Hub prioritises reuse, and repurposing waste, while creating employment opportunities and training pathways for First Nations peoples. Funding will support the first stage development of a business case and the establishment of a First Nations Leadership Group to co-design a robust business, governance, and impact model in collaboration with government and industry stakeholders.
Project Outcomes
Development of a First Nations Leadership Council
Outcome: Implementation of a robust governance system led by First Nations peoples.
Outcome: Development of a decision-making framework grounded in First Nations cultural protocols.
Outcome: Creation of an impact measurement framework aligned with the anticipated outcomes for First Nations peoples in remote Australia.
Consultation with First Nations communities and their stakeholders
Outcome: Development of a well-informed and culturally appropriate business and impact model that benefits all stakeholders.
Collaborating with partners and consulting stakeholders
Outcome: Enhancement of aligned strategic goals and mutually advantageous project results
Engaging consulting services from circular economy, logistics analysis, architecture and construction, and social and environmental impact experts.
Outcome: Crafting a comprehensive business case integrating the social, environmental, and cultural returns on investment.
Outcome: Comprehensive mapping of establishment and operational requirements to ensure smooth implementation and efficient functioning.
Consulting services provided by professional services including, legal and accounting.
Outcome: The creation of a robust business case encompassing governance, risk management, liability considerations, and financially sound data.
Budget Breakdown
TOTAL BUDGET: $800,000
FUNDING
Funding source | Amount |
---|---|
AMP Foundation (confirmed) | $100,000 |
Department of Infrastructure, Transport, Regional Development, Communications and the Arts (DITRDCA) and Department of Industry, Science and Resources (DISR) (unconfirmed) | $500,000 |
Funding Gap | $200,000 |
EXPENSES
Expense item | Amount |
---|---|
Specialist Consultants | $300,000 |
Labour + on costs 30% | $200,000 |
Travel - Remote First Nations Communities | $100,000 |
First Nations Leadership Workshops | $100,000 |
Partnership Development | $100,000 |
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