Ipswich Mayor Harding Welcomes Salvation Army's Textile Recovery Facility to the City

The Salvation Army

21 July 2026

Ipswich Mayor Harding Welcomes Salvation Army’s Textile Recovery Facility to the City

The Salvation Army has welcomed Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding to its Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility (TRF), marking an important milestone in the facility’s growing connection with the Ipswich community and reinforcing the city’s role as an emerging leader in circular economy innovation.

During the visit, Mayor Harding toured the facility and met with team members and volunteers who play a vital role in recovering, sorting and extending the life of textiles that might otherwise end up in landfill.

The Textile Recovery Facility is a key part of The Salvation Army’s commitment to reducing textile waste while creating positive social and economic outcomes. Located in Ipswich, the facility supports local employment, provides volunteering opportunities and contributes to the region’s growing sustainability and industrial sectors.

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding said Ipswich welcomes a facility that reduces waste and creates local jobs and volunteering opportunities.  “The Textile Recovery Facility demonstrates exactly the kind of cleaner, smarter and more sustainable industry we are welcoming into Ipswich,” Mayor Harding said.  “The Salvation Army’s investment in this facility strengthens our city’s circular economy, supports local employment and shows how community organisations and industry can work together to deliver lasting environmental and social outcomes.”

Meriel Chamberlin, Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility representative, said the visit was an opportunity to showcase the important role the facility is playing in the local community.  "We are proud to call Ipswich home and to be building strong relationships with local government, industry and the community," Ms Chamberlin said.  "The Textile Recovery Facility is about much more than textile recovery. It creates opportunities for people to work, volunteer, develop skills, participate in meaningful work and be part of practical solutions that benefit both people and the environment."

The facility demonstrates circular economy principles in action by recovering and processing textiles for reuse and recycling pathways, helping keep valuable materials in circulation for longer.

The Salvation Army also highlighted the contribution volunteers make to the facility’s success, with opportunities available for individuals, community groups and corporate partners to become involved.  Ricky Lester, who oversees volunteer engagement at the facility, said volunteers are central to its impact.  "Our volunteers bring incredible energy and commitment to this work. They help create positive environmental outcomes while building connections, developing skills and contributing to their local community."

The Salvation Army believes facilities such as the TRF are helping position Ipswich as a centre for practical circular economy solutions, demonstrating how government, community organisations, volunteers and industry can work together to create social, environmental and economic value.

For more information about the Textile Recovery Facility or to learn about volunteering

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For more information about the Salvos Stores’ Textile Recovery Facility, please visit salvosstores.com.au/textile-recovery

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Media Contact:

For more information, please contact Rendle Williams, Queensland External Communications Manager, 0425 242 789, [email protected]

20 July 2026

MEDIA ALERT

Mayor to Visit Salvation Army Textile Recovery Facility in Ipswich

Ipswich Mayor Teresa Harding will visit The Salvation Army's Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility (TRF) on Wednesday 22 July, providing a unique opportunity for media to capture a compelling local story about jobs, sustainability, volunteering and innovation. The visit will include a guided tour of the facility, showcasing how textiles are recovered, sorted and diverted from landfill through practical circular economy solutions.

The TRF is emerging as an important regional asset, supporting local employment, volunteer pathways and industry partnerships while helping position Ipswich as a hub for circular economy activity. Media will have access to vision of textile processing operations, volunteers in action, interviews with Salvation Army representatives and opportunities to hear directly from the Mayor Harding about the facility's contribution to the city.

Strong visual opportunities include the Mayor Harding touring the facility, engaging with volunteers and staff, viewing textile recovery operations and discussing the future of sustainable industry in Ipswich. The story highlights the intersection of community impact, environmental stewardship and economic development—making it relevant to local government, business, community and sustainability audiences.

Event Details

What:             Ipswich Mayor Thersa Harding Visit to the Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility
When:            Wednesday 22 July, 10:30am–11:30pm
Where:           Salvos Stores Textile Recovery Facility, 6 Krypton Ct, Carole Park QLD

Media Opportunities: Colour and movement guaranteed. Photo and video opportunities, interviews with Mayor Teresa Harding, Salvation Army representatives and Salvo Stores TRF staff.

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For more information, please contact Rendle Williams, External Communications Manager, 0425 242 789, [email protected]