about-us-hero
Building a resourceful, connected community
BHRR is a free, community-run group, making sustainability part of everyday life.
How do we do it?
Simple! Through BHRR's Facebook group, we connect people who have surplus "stuff" with others who want to reuse or repurpose it. This keeps useful items out of landfill and in circulation.
Join us in reducing waste and strengthening local connections!
It's practical, totally free, and builds a more resourceful and creative community.
And by the way...
Everything in this photo was rescued from hard rubbish piles. We filled two vans with household items which went to support Rotary North Balwyn's Refugee Families Support program! Win-win!
founders-hero
Cath and Jennie
Co-Founders
As kids, we spent ages delighting in the treasures we found in hard rubbish piles. Not much has changed!
But now we’re also parents.
That childhood love of “treasure hunting” has grown into a deep concern for sustainable living and the kind of world we’re leaving our kids. This can feel overwhelming. How can we make a practical difference?
The “Aha” moment
We've all been there - looking at a nature strip piled with perfectly good items. Nobody wants to throw useable things away, but life is busy. Finding hassle-free ways to pass on our "stuff" isn't always easy or possible. Meanwhile, there is so much genuine need right here in our Boroondara community.
Connecting People, Reducing Waste
We realised that the problem wasn't a lack of generosity or supply. What was missing was connection. We just needed a local, supportive way to bridge the gap between busy households letting go of items, and others trying to meet everyday needs. And just like that, the BHRR story began!
community-impact
Community Impact
BHRR’s impact is significant, from empowering individuals to supporting the work of community groups and other organisations. Here’s how BHRR is making a difference.
Care. Connect. Create. BHRR runs on kindness and respect, helping people to: - connect with each other and organisations in the local community. - find shared purpose - share skills and inspiration - experience support during life's big transitions
Rescue. Rehome. Recirculate. BHRR helps to keep tonnes of usable household items in circulation and out of landfill. Items are: - rescued from hard rubbish piles and recirculated into the community - shared, before they ever reach hard rubbish - donated to community organisations - used to support local events and initiatives
Accessible. Affordable. Achievable. Everything is free on BHRR! This helps Rehomies to: - avoid buying new - access things they need but maybe can’t afford - move on things they don't need any more - support local circular action
Shift attitudes. Support change. Show what’s possible. Rehomies learn to: - view their surplus as a resource, not as waste - empathise with the challenges of moving on "stuff" - explore new ways to share preloved items - rethink, reuse and repurpose preloved items
key-moments
Key Moments
Milestones that have shaped our rehoming community.
2022
Boroondara Hard Rubbish Rehome founded with a handful of supporters and hearts full of hope.
Membership reaches 1,000 - amazing!
▸BHRR develops its first links to local community organisations, delivering two van loads of household goods rescued from local hard rubbish piles to Rotary North Balwyn for their refugee support program.
Local Federal MP Dr Monique Ryan refers to BHRR's work in Parliament House's Federation Chamber.
▸BHRR develops links with PALM Scheme Community Connections program.
▸BHRR supplies clothes, sports equipment and luggage from hard rubbish to support seasonal workers.
BHRR develops early links with Boroondara Council.
2023
First fundraiser, garage sale style. All stock comes from local hard rubbish piles.
Co-founders Cath and Jennie invited to speak at an International Women’s Day function.
Membership reaches 5,000. Start collaboration with Kew East Recycling Community.
BHRR hits the media!
▸BHRR is profiled on 3AW, ABC Everyday Home and local digital newspaper Eastsider News.
Inaugural Spring Community Market
BHRR participates in Boroondara Council’s inaugural Repair and Reuse Day, offering free resources (yes, from hard rubbish!) to residents.
2024
Membership reaches 10,000 - who would have imagined!
BHRR wins the 2024 Boroondara Volunteer Program Innovation Award.
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BHRR participates in Swinburne University's International Student Expo, offering international students free resources rescued from local hard rubbish piles.
BHRR is involved in Boroondara Council’s Threads Exchange event.
BHRR’s Spring Community Market returns and BHRR's story is shared on 3AW and ABC 774, as well as local publications Eastsider News and the Burwood Bulletin.
BHRR continues participating in Boroondara Council and other events. Cath and Jennie meet ABC's B1 and B2!
2025
BHRR returns to Swinburne University’s International Student Expo and joins Boroondara's Sustainability Festival.
BHRR goes to the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show!
▸BHRR provides resources to the ABC's Gardening Australia to run children's activities at the Melbourne International Flower and Garden Show. From bunting and tablecloths to plants and materials for insect hotels and succulent gardens, BHRR is integral to a successful kids' event.
BHRR is now a regular part of Swinburne University's International Student Expo.
BHRR visits Visy’s recycling facilities, learning about the recycling challenges our everyday items pose..
Connections between Boroondara Council, Swinburne University and BHRR continue to flourish.
▸Boroondara Council offers BHRR the opportunity to develop a website in collaboration with Swinburne University IT Diploma Students.
BHRR visits the Boroondara Waste and Recycling Centre - a fascinating insight into where things go.
BHRR’s Spring Community Market returns, but in a new venue, with the support of Boroondara Council.