Upcycle Newcastle is a local community group dedicated to the circular economy and reducing textile waste by promoting creative reuse and repair. Instead of viewing waste as something to be discarded, we see it as an opportunity for a new beginning. Concerned about our environment and the waste generated by society, we try to respond with positive, creative solutions, inspiring and teaching others to transform discarded textiles and materials into exciting new and useful upcycled items.

GYBS opened our first charity store Village People in March 2020 and since then, the shop has welcomed so many happy shoppers who have all walked away with bargains.

The shop stocks high quality, second-hand clothing and homewares which have been donated by the community with all proceeds from the sales going back to GYBS to fund our programs.

If you have any of these items that you would like to donate, make sure you come and visit the Village People Shop.

No bookings are needed. To dispose of waste at one of our facilities, simply bring the waste in your vehicle and follow instructions from our staff when you arrive at the weighbridge.

You will be charged according to the weight you dispose of, just as you would at a council landfill. Please ensure that you are dressed appropriately and wear closed-in shoes.

When your unloaded vehicle is weighed on the weighbridge, you will be charged by card or cash.

St Vincent de Paul Society Op Shops are a beloved destination for affordable, preloved treasures across the Hunter Region. Offering a wide range of clothing, accessories, furniture, homewares, and more, each purchase supports vital community services. Vinnies Shops are powered by dedicated volunteers and staff, with all profits staying local to fund assistance programs for individuals facing hardship. By shopping or donating at Vinnies, you’re directly supporting initiatives that aid around 300,000 people in NSW each year. Discover quality items at great prices and join a community-driven effort to make a positive difference.

St Vincent de Paul Society Op Shops are a beloved destination for affordable, preloved treasures across the Hunter Region. Offering a wide range of clothing, accessories, furniture, homewares, and more, each purchase supports vital community services. Vinnies Shops are powered by dedicated volunteers and staff, with all profits staying local to fund assistance programs for individuals facing hardship. By shopping or donating at Vinnies, you’re directly supporting initiatives that aid around 300,000 people in NSW each year. Discover quality items at great prices and join a community-driven effort to make a positive difference.

Ritzy Rose Fashion specialises in new and pre-loved women’s fashion, offering a curated selection of stylish clothing that promotes sustainability. By giving old clothes a new life and a new home, Ritzy Rose Fashion champions eco-friendly practices while helping customers express their unique style.

Urdarov Upholstery has been restoring and reupholstering furniture in Newcastle since 2001. Dedicated to sustainable craftsmanship, Urdarov Upholstery helps extend the life of cherished pieces, keeping quality furniture out of landfills and supporting a circular economy. Known for exceptional work, they’ve crafted custom designs for esteemed venues, restaurants, and offices across Newcastle, the Hunter, and beyond. With a commitment to quality and sustainability, Urdarov Upholstery is expanding its offerings to include custom-made products—chairs, lounges, bedheads, pillows, and cushions—available both online and in their showroom.

Jan’s Alterations provides specialised services in bridal and formalwear adjustments, as well as mending for a variety of clothing items, including school uniforms. Known for its quick 2 to 3 day turnaround, Jan’s also offers a thoughtful personal touch with free home visits for seniors and disabled customers in the local area (conditions apply). Each garment is treated with care, extending the lifespan of cherished items through expert repairs and alterations. Jan’s commitment to quality craftsmanship makes it easy for customers to maintain a wardrobe they love, supporting sustainability through skilled garment restoration.

AltEm Stitches is Newcastle’s go-to destination for expert clothing alterations and repairs, delivering exceptional craftsmanship for a flawless fit. Offering personalised service and a keen attention to detail, AltEm Stitches ensures each garment is tailored to perfection, enhancing style and comfort. Their services go beyond typical alterations, also offering dry cleaning, invisible mending, and embroidery, along with a range of sewing accessories like cotton reels, zippers, and needles. AltEm Stitches is dedicated to making every garment look and feel like a custom fit.

Paul Bros Dry Cleaners in Merewether offers professional, eco-friendly dry cleaning for all types of garments, from everyday wear to delicate items like silk, leather, and sequins. With over 20 years of experience, they treat each piece with expert care, using modern, environmentally responsible cleaning methods that ensure a deeper, safer clean. Special services include same-day cleaning, free pick-up within 5km, and discounts on bulk orders. From wedding dresses and suits to bedding and curtains, Paul Bros Dry Cleaners is dedicated to preserving the quality and look of each item, giving customers peace of mind and reliable, on-time service.

Thomas’ Timepieces offers a vast selection of quality timepieces, accessories, and novelties, catering to all tastes and needs. Their store features everything from modern watches with cutting-edge technology to classic German grandfather clocks. In addition to sales, Thomas’ Timepieces provides expert repair and restoration services, with a fully qualified watchmaker on-site to handle any timepiece, from battery replacements to intricate restorations of vintage and antique clocks. The shop also stocks a variety of watch bands, fob chains, storage boxes, and unique items like jewellery boxes and kaleidoscopes, making it a one-stop destination for timepiece enthusiasts.

Hunter Antiques, established in 1990, specialises in a wide range of quality antiques and collectibles, from authentic vintage items to stylish mid-century modern (MCM) pieces. Sourcing unique finds from Australian, English, European, and Asian origins, they feature furniture, rugs, china, ceramics, glass, crystal, Australian pottery, art, silver, jewelry, toys, and more. By preserving and repurposing timeless pieces, Hunter Antiques promotes sustainable shopping through the circular economy. They offer pick-up and delivery services throughout local and state-wide areas, along with appraisals and expert advice to help clients buy, sell, and treasure historical pieces that blend seamlessly into modern lifestyles.

Mattara Dry Cleaners in Adamstown has been delivering exceptional dry cleaning services since 1982, proudly family-owned and passed down through generations. Known for quality-focused care, they handle everything from everyday wear to high-end designer garments with precision. Using advanced hydro cleaning equipment, Mattara Dry Cleaners ensures a deep, delicate clean that preserves the fabric’s integrity. They offer comprehensive services including stain removal, professional ironing, repairs, alterations, and commercial laundry. By prolonging the life of valuable clothing, they support a sustainable approach to fashion, helping reduce waste and keep items in rotation longer.

Navaho Designs, celebrating 30 years in 2024, draws deep inspiration from the artistry and spirituality of the Native American Navajo people. Known for crafting unique leather clothing, bags, and accessories with intricate detailing, Navaho Designs has evolved to offer specialised leather repair services for garments. Though they no longer create original leatherwear, their passion for cultural artistry and sustainable craftsmanship remains strong. By repairing cherished items, Navaho Designs helps clients extend the life of beloved leather pieces.

LookSmart is a one-stop shop for all your clothing alterations, tailoring and styling services.

Our professional tailors, seamstresses and dressmakers are all experts in restyling and repairing all types of garments, so you can rest assured knowing you are in the most capable hands around.

Coliseum Antiques is Newcastle’s largest antique centre, featuring 26 dealer spaces filled with a diverse selection of treasures. Located in Mayfield, the centre invites visitors to explore its vast range of furniture, ceramics, crystal, jewellery, vintage clothing, military items, and more—ideal for finding unique, high-quality pieces that support sustainable reuse and the circular economy. Knowledgeable dealers are on hand to guide you through an eclectic array of collectibles, from traditional furniture to retro decor. After your visit, take a break at the adjoining Vincent’s Cafe, open daily for breakfast and lunch, making for a memorable and sustainable shopping experience.

Second to None Recycled Designer Boutique has been providing quality pre-loved fashion since 1998, specialising in high-end brand-name clothing, bags, and shoes. With a focus on contemporary items no older than two to three years, this consignment boutique invites shoppers to discover stylish treasures at amazing prices. Customers can conveniently bring in items for resale, making the process simple and efficient. Notable brands include Trelise Cooper, Country Road, Aje, and Camilla.

The Book Buff, located in Broadmeadow, specialises in a broad range of used books across all genres, catering to avid readers and collectors alike. In addition to books, The Book Buff offers a selection of comics, sheet music, and vinyl records, including LPs and 7”/12” singles, making it a haven for music enthusiasts.

Rare Find Country Antiques has been a trusted family business for 35 years, specialising in quality Australian furniture, particularly original cedar pieces from 1840 to 1920. Located in Hamilton, they offer a wide range of antique Australian cedar, pine, Federation oak, and maple furniture, including bookcases, chests, sideboards, and kitchen dressers. In April 2024, they’ll expand to feature mid-century modern pieces like Parker and Chiswell furniture under Newcastle Mid Century Modern. Rare Find Country Antiques also provides expert restoration and conservation services.

Islington Antiques & Interiors has been a staple in Newcastle since 1990, operating from a spacious 200 square metre showroom. Committed to offering a diverse range of antiques and collectibles at affordable prices, the business prides itself on catering to a variety of tastes. Known for its impressive selection of quality porcelain, Art Deco pieces, Royal Doulton, silverware, and crystal glassware, Islington Antiques also features unique items like hanging light fittings, toys, and model trains. The store has adapted to evolving trends in fashion and home decor, showcasing quality antique furniture and collectibles from the Victorian era to retro styles.

Q’s Books is a community-minded, family-run bookstore located in Hamilton. Established in 1996 by Brian and Aileen Querruel, it has become a beloved destination for book lovers, specialising in pre-loved, rare, and out-of-print titles, along with new books. After 16 years, the Querruels sold the store to former employee Sandra and her husband Greg in 2012, who have continued its legacy. Q’s Books maintains an impressive collection of 100,000 to 150,000 books, with new stock arriving regularly.

Rice’s Bookshop is the oldest secondhand bookshop in Newcastle, offering an extensive range of books, including comics, old magazines, first editions, bestsellers, and collectibles. In addition to books, the shop features a diverse selection of music items, such as cassette tapes, CDs, LPs, and singles. Their latest venture includes secondhand stereos. Rice’s Bookshop invites customers to bring in unused or unwanted record players for a new home. They also provide stereo needles, belts, and repair services, ensuring a complete experience for music enthusiasts.

HTS Group offers comprehensive site solutions across Newcastle and New South Wales, specialising in safe demolitions, asbestos removal, restorations, and civil construction. Their complete asbestos management service includes identification, testing, and remediation, prioritizing safety and effectiveness. With branches in the Hunter Valley and NSW Mid North Coast, HTS Group delivers quality projects efficiently, backed by a commitment to exceptional communication and timely results, contributing to sustainable development in the region.

All Town Skips has been providing skip bin services to Newcastle, Lake Macquarie, and the Hunter region for 20 years, offering a range of bin sizes from 2 to 10 cubic meters, including drop-sided options. Committed to sustainability, All Town Skips processes all waste through a recycling centre in Mayfield West, ensuring legal disposal practices. Customers benefit from 7-day hire, delivery, and collection included in the pricing, with flexible payment options available. With same-day delivery for orders placed before 10 am and a lowest price guarantee, All Town Skips makes waste management convenient and eco-friendly for local residents and businesses.

Major Projects Group is dedicated to promoting a sustainable environment through innovative and cost-effective demolition solutions. Specialising in industrial, marine, and commercial demolition, as well as asbestos and hazardous materials removal, the company also offers project management, engineering services, and demolition consulting. With a mission to foster environmental stewardship, Major Projects Group aims to set a benchmark in the demolition industry while inspiring others to adopt socially responsible practices.

Cash Converters offer a convenient way to sell unwanted items for instant cash, allowing individuals to purchase items they truly desire. With a vast selection of quality second-hand goods available at affordable prices, most items come with a 90-day warranty for added confidence. Cash Converters encourages recycling by offering cash for quality goods, recognising that the average Australian household has approximately 21 unwanted items, equating to nearly $6,964 in potential cash! They buy a diverse range of valuable items, from computers and cameras to jewellery and gaming consoles.

The Retro Wardrobe specialises in retro, vintage, and preloved clothing, accessories, bric-a-brac, linen, and furniture. With new stock arriving daily, customers can find iconic vintage Tupperware, best-selling retro sunglasses for just $12, and an incredible selection of 90s and Y2K formal dresses, perfect for formal season. The store celebrates unique styles and sustainable fashion, offering shoppers a chance to express their individuality while embracing nostalgia.

Pacific Shredder is a leader in the scrap metal recycling industry, blending technical expertise with operational know-how. They provide a comprehensive range of products and parts for metal recycling equipment, including brands like Lindemann and American Pulveriser. With extensive experience in the scrap industry, they offer superior advice to help clients optimise the usable life of wear components and enhance production rates.

Benedict Recycling Newcastle provides environmentally responsible waste solutions focused on maximising resource recovery. Specialising in recycling materials like asphalt, concrete, green waste, metals, and more, Benedict transforms waste into valuable products for community reuse. With over 3 million tonnes of waste recycled in the past five years, Benedict is committed to waste minimisation through recovery, processing, and reuse. They offer services like free trailer hire, cart and dispose, and reliable supply and delivery of quality recycled products.

Hunter Recyclers is Newcastle’s trusted scrap metal merchant, known for reliable service, safety, and professionalism. Their expert team can assess your scrap metal over the phone, provide accurate valuations, and pay you what it’s worth. Hunter Recyclers offers complete scrap metal services, including quotes, pickups, bin hire, and fair payments. They accept a wide range of metals, from aluminium cans and car batteries to copper, brass, steel, and more. With convenient pickups and a commitment to leaving no mess behind, Hunter Recyclers makes recycling hassle-free, helping you save money while responsibly managing recyclable metals.

Fenwick Demolition & Dirt is a leading provider of high-quality demolition, asbestos removal, waste management, and plant hire services across Newcastle, the Hunter Valley, and New South Wales. Renowned for its commitment to sustainability, Fenwick Demolition & Dirt salvages and recycles up to 95% of building materials from demolition sites. Their recycling efforts include repurposing concrete, tiles, and other materials into drainage, road base, and decorative gravels, while also processing gyprock and gypsum for reuse. Trust Fenwick Demolition & Dirt for environmentally responsible demolition solutions that prioritise resource recovery.

Newcastle Rubbish Removal Service offers a superior, hassle-free rubbish removal experience across Newcastle, Maitland, Lake Macquarie, and Port Stephens. Their professional team handles all loading and cleanup, ensuring customers don’t lift a finger. Committed to competitive pricing and punctuality, they efficiently clear unwanted items from homes, offices, building sites, and more, eliminating the need for skips or trips to the tip. Newcastle Rubbish Removal Service prioritises sustainability by recycling materials like metals and cardboard, helping customers save on disposal fees. Whether it’s garden waste, demolition debris, or general rubbish, their services make clearing out easy and environmentally responsible.

Dress for Success helps unemployed and underemployed women achieve economic independence through no-cost professional attire, personal styling, and career development programs. With locations across Sydney, Illawarra, and Newcastle-Hunter, Dress for Success NSW & ACT empowers over 3,000 women annually as they take steps toward employment. The organisation welcomes donations of gently-used, professional-quality clothing to help give women a fresh start. Communities can also host donation drives to support these services, making a direct impact. By donating or organising a drive, you’re helping women gain confidence and access essential resources to succeed in work and life.

St Vincent de Paul Society Op Shops are a beloved destination for affordable, preloved treasures across the Hunter Region. Offering a wide range of clothing, accessories, furniture, homewares, and more, each purchase supports vital community services. Vinnies Shops are powered by dedicated volunteers and staff, with all profits staying local to fund assistance programs for individuals facing hardship. By shopping or donating at Vinnies, you’re directly supporting initiatives that aid around 300,000 people in NSW each year. Discover quality items at great prices and join a community-driven effort to make a positive difference.

Second Life Solar champions Australia’s transition to a circular economy by extending the lifespan of solar panels through reuse and recycling. With an estimated one million tonnes of solar panel waste projected by 2033, Second Life Solar addresses the growing need to reduce environmental impact from retired photovoltaic (PV) systems. Specialising in services from maintenance and decommissioning to mobile solar solutions, they keep functional panels out of landfills and reintroduce them into new applications.

The Conscious Exchange is Newcastle’s go-to spot for quality preloved fashion that deserves a second life. With a mission to keep stylish clothes in circulation and reduce the community’s carbon footprint, The Conscious Exchange offers a fresh take on consignment. Unlike traditional stores, customers can trade their high-quality pieces for instant cash or store credit, making it easier than ever to exchange items that are “too good to just donate.” Next time you’re vintage shopping in Newcastle, drop by The Conscious Exchange and discover a sustainable way to shop and share fashion.