Kimbriki Recycling and Waste Disposal Centre is a solid dry waste landfill and recycling centre operated by Warringah Council in collaboration with Manly, Mosman and Pittwater Councils. Over one million tonnes of waste have been saved from landfill since recycling began in 1990.
Earlier this year, the Centre took out the 2005 Minister for Vocational and Technical Education’s Award for Excellence for Employers of New Apprentices. The Kimbriki Centre received the award for creating an apprentice program that gave 16 operational staff the opportunity to gain a nationally recognised qualification in waste management. This is a national first.
In 2003, increased emphasis was placed on occupational health and safety, environmental regulations and the evolving roles of staff at the waste management facility. A lack of training specifically designed for staff in waste management led Kimbriki management to develop the program. It is now a national training blueprint for waste management sites across Australia.
“This is a fantastic new initiative involving staff of varied ages and backgrounds,” said Warringah Council’s General Manager, Stephen Blackadder. “It is a real tribute to teamwork with everyone in the process of completing the course.”
Staff will complete their courses through TAFE later this year. If successful, they will gain the first nationally accredited qualification in waste management. Victoria TAFE is running the course for Kimbriki staff but TAFE colleges in New South Wales will adopt the program next year.
For further information contact Warringah Council’s Communications team on (02) 9942 2221.
