Minister for Territory and Municipal Services, Shane Rattenbury, joined GWS GIANTS’ Rhys Palmer today to encourage Canberrans to register for the Garage Sale Trail, a national community and sustainability event where communities across Australia hold garage sales on the same day – Saturday 26 October 2013.

“The Garage Sale Trail is a fun, community-based activity that encourages the re-use of items. Re-using and redistributing goods on the Trail helps reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill,”?Mr Rattenbury said.

“People interested in hosting a sale can register for free at www.garagesaletrail.com.au and list some of their available items. The first 5000 people to register nationally (or those registered by October 6) will be mailed a free participant pack with posters to promote their sale and a free copy of The Official Guide To Buying and Selling On The New eBay to help sell any unsold items from the day.

“If you’re interested in hunting for bargains, make the most of your day by planning out your own Treasure Trail online at www.garageSaleTrail.com.au. The website allows you to see all the registered sales in your area and even search by specific types of items.

“The Garage Sale Trail is also the perfect motivation to do spring cleaning before the summer holidays while making some extra money. Last year across Australia the average sale generated $400! This is a great opportunity for schools, community groups and charities to help raise much-needed funds.

“Last year 150,000 people across Australia participated in the Garage Sale Trail which raised $2.5 million in Sales. Community groups made an average of $1,114 per garage sale and schools made an average of $2,094.

“Forty-eight percent of participants donated funds to charity and some 40,000 wheelie bins of items were potentially diverted from landfill. It is hoped this year’s event doubles this achievement.

“The Garage Sale Trail is a great way to meet your neighbours, make some extra money and reduce the amount of waste sent to landfill,” Mr Rattenbury concluded.

Co-founder Darryl Nichols said Garage Sale Trail is a not-for-profit mission to create positive social and environmental change.

“We’re thrilled that Garage Sale Trail is launching in the ACT,” Mr Nichols said.