Latest news with #innerwest
News.com.au
5 hours ago
- General
- News.com.au
Sydney dumpster diver exposes ‘sad reality' as tonnes of food goes to landfill
A Sydney dumpster diver has revealed the huge extent of food wastage in the city, after collecting thousands of dollars of unwanted groceries. Matthew* has been dumpster diving for years, but says he rarely collects food for himself. Instead, the good Samaritan leaves boxes full of groceries found in nearby supermarket bins out the front of his Enfield home, in Sydney's inner west. His only request – neighbours only 'take what they need'. Matthew told NewsWire he is continually amazed at just how much food goes to waste from some of the country's biggest supermarkets. 'Damaged stock is the most annoying thing I see in supermarket bins, especially when there is nothing wrong with the actual product,' he said. 'Say for example a supermarket receives a case of Coke or jam or pasta sauce but only two cans or three jars have broken. They throw the whole case away, it doesn't matter if the rest of the stock is fine. 'Eggs is another one … they are throwing out cartons of eggs about a month before the best before date, yes some are cracked but I have seen plenty of good ones.' Produce such as fruits and vegetables are also being thrown out at a startling rate, Matthew said. 'You know those mesh bags of oranges … they would throw the whole bag out even if only one is bad … but the rest are fine,' he said. However, on his search for groceries amid the ongoing cost-of-living crisis, Matthew says he was startled to discover that more and more supermarkets have begun locking up their bins. 'Pretty much everywhere are locking their bins … two of my local spots are not locked,' he said, adding the amount of usable stuff being thrown out is 'mad'. But while Matthew says he is glad to help those in need in his community, Australian Charity OzHarvest says the act is a 'sad reflection' of how much good food is still needlessly going to waste. 'We currently rescue 300 tonnes of food a week from over 2,500 businesses across the country,' a spokesman told NewsWire. The charity added they are 'committed to working directly with as many food businesses as possible to make sure that edible food is donated and delivered directly and safely to people in need'. The risks While tonnes of food every week is being wasted across the country, supermarket giants are warning the practice of dumpster diving itself comes with 'significant risks'. 'While food found in dumpster bins might look edible, it's not fit for human consumption,' a Coles spokesman told NewsWire. 'There is significant health risks associated with consuming food from dumpster bins, as anything that is not donated to food rescue organisations like SecondBite has been put there as it's deemed unsuitable for sale or donation due to being past its use by date or spoiled.' The supermarket giant added that from a 'physical safety perspective', they 'strongly discourage' the act, given the height of bins located outside of supermarkets, and the fact they are 'often located in or around loading bays with trucks and large vehicles moving in and out of these bays'. Woolworths also echoed this sentiment, telling NewsWire the act is inherently unsafe. Both supermarkets, however, are in collaboration with charities to help ensure much needed food gets to people who may be struggling. Coles partner with SecondBite and Foodbank, and in 2024 donated more than 20,000 tonnes of food — the equivalent of over 39 million meals — to support food relief efforts all across Australia. Meanwhile, Woolworths partner with both OzHarvest and Foodbank and in 2024, the Woolworth's group diverted 80 per cent of it's food waste from landfill, and donated the equivalent of more than 36 million meals to our hunger relief partners. Legalities But not only are desperate Australians subjecting themselves to health risks while dumpster diving, they may also land themselves in trouble for the act. NSW Police said a person 'may be committing an offence' such as trespass or stealing, if they were accessing private property or a secure bin. Woolworths Group have policies in place which requires any external bins managed by a store to be locked. Matthew himself says he has been threatened in the past by security, once being warned he'd receive a $1000 fine from the council, and was made to put everything back. A 'symptom of housing costs' But despite potential health and legal risks, thousands of desperate Australians feel they have been left with no other option. Wayside Chapel Pastor and CEO, Jon Owen said the trend highlights the 'resilience of people' in 'impossible situations'. 'This isn't about choice – it's about people being forced into survival mode because our systems are failing them. These are our neighbours, often with jobs, who simply can't afford both rent and food,' he told NewsWire. 'While people are forced to search through bins, we're throwing away tons of perfectly good food daily. The scandal isn't that people are dumpster diving – it's that we allow this level of waste alongside this level of need.' Dumpster diving is a' symptom of housing costs pushing people beyond survival mode', Mr Owen explained. 'We need better food rescue programs, rent caps, and increased social housing. People shouldn't have to risk their safety and dignity searching through rubbish for food.' 'Our community meals serve an average of around 1000 people weekly – no questions asked, with dignity. But we know many more are going hungry rather than seeking help due to shame.'
Daily Mail
14-06-2025
- Daily Mail
Victim of a late night fatal house fire was an eldery woman
An elderly woman has died in a house fire after being found inside a two-storey townhouse in Sydney 's inner west, around 11.45pm on Friday night. The 82-year-old was discovered dead inside the Westbourne Street home in Petersham by fire and rescue crews. Four fire trucks were dispatched to the address where they found one man, 57, and the woman inside. Paramedics treated the man for smoke inhalation at the scene before he was transported to Royal Prince Alfred Hospital in a stable condition. The woman however was unable to be revived and has yet to be formally identified. A spokesperson for Fire and Rescue NSW said she was found inside the room where the fire had originated. Neighbouring buildings were evacuated while rescue crews worked to extinguish the blaze before the area was handed over to police for a formal investigation. Police have established a crime scene and are investigating the fire. Anyone with information about the incident is urged to contact Crime Stoppers.
Daily Mail
28-05-2025
- Business
- Daily Mail
Vinnies surprises Aussies with major announcement that's set to change the way you shop forever
One of Australia's favourite op shops has finally launched a digital store, offering 30,000 pre-loved fashion pieces - ranging from designer labels to popular high-street brands. Vinnies has taken thrift shopping to a whole new level with its new platform, aptly named Vinnies Finds, making sustainable, affordable style more accessible than ever. Every donated item has been carefully curated by a team of 25 staff and volunteers at Vinnies' warehouse in Sydney 's inner west, with shipping available nationwide. With new men's and women's clothes, shoes and accessories dropping daily, shoppers can grab bargains on their favourite brands - including Burberry, Kate Spade, Christian Dior, Chanel, Zimmermann, New Balance and Nike and more. With growing demand for second-hand shopping and vintage clothing - along with the rise of the thrifting trend on social media - it's no surprise that op shops have seen a huge spike in popularity in recent years. And now, after more than 100 years of running brick-and-mortar shops, Vinnies is expanding its internet presence with its first-ever online store, offering tens of thousands of donated items, including pre-loved treasures and unique pieces. 'As shopping habits evolve in the digital age, our move online ensures Vinnies remains relevant and accessible. Today's consumers are seeking convenience, sustainability, and style, all in one click,' Vinnies NSW CEO Yolanda Saiz told FEMAIL. 'Going digital allows us to reach a wider crowd and keep up with the growing demand for eco-friendly options, all while giving pre-loved clothes a second life.' Avid thrift enthusiasts can shop by category, brand, curated collection, price, or by using specific search terms, making it easy to browse and purchase second-hand menswear, womenswear, shoes, accessories, and jewellery. 'New items are uploaded daily, ensuring a constantly refreshed product offering. Items will be rotated seasonally so at the moment you will see a lot of Autumn and Winter wear, but you can also shop now if you want to get summer clothes for your Euro Summer trip,' Ms Saiz said. 'Shoppers can expect a carefully curated range of fashion that includes everything from everyday essentials to high-end designer pieces. You'll find well-known names alongside one-of-a-kind treasures you won't see anywhere else. 'Prices are designed to focus on quality and affordability, reflecting Vinnies' commitment to accessible fashion for all. 'Whether you're hunting for a statement dress, designer shoes, or a timeless vintage jacket, there's something for every budget.' Not only will shoppers find great deals, but they will also be supporting a worthy cause with every purchase. 'Vinnies Finds combines the treasure-hunt experience of thrifting with the convenience of shopping online, all while supporting the work of Vinnies in communities across NSW,' Ms Saiz said. 'It's an affordable way to enjoy fashion while supporting sustainability and giving back to the community.' The online inventory is managed at the Vinnies Finds warehouse in Stanmore, where a dedicated team - many of whom are fashion students or sustainability enthusiasts - pick and pack orders from Monday to Friday. Shoppers are welcome to donate their pre-loved clothes to Vinnies for inclusion in the digital store, Vinnies Finds. 'The process is straightforward and ensures that only quality items make it online,' Ms Saiz explained. 'To donate, simply drop off your clean, gently used clothing and accessories at any Vinnies shop during business hours. A helpful rule of thumb is: if you'd give it to a mate, it's good to donate. 'Once your items are donated, each item is carefully sorted and assessed for quality. Suitable items are prepared for sale in our shops and online store. This includes photographing and cataloguing items for Vinnies Finds. 'By donating to Vinnies, you're not only giving your pre-loved items a new life but also supporting a sustainable and circular economy, all while helping those in need.' The proceeds from these sales directly fund Vinnies' programs and services, supporting thousands of vulnerable individuals and families across NSW each year. 'What's exciting about launching Vinnies Finds is how it brings together purpose and convenience. It's not just about shopping, it's about making second-hand fashion easier to access, giving clothes a second life, and supporting local communities at the same time,' she said. 'It's also a big move toward a more sustainable future. By making it easier to buy pre- loved items, Vinnies is helping to reduce textile waste and support a circular economy. 'And while shoppers find great pieces online, they're also helping fund essential services like crisis accommodation, food support, and help for families doing it tough.'
Daily Mail
27-05-2025
- General
- Daily Mail
BREAKING NEWS Croydon house fire: One person dead
One person has died after a house fire in Sydney 's inner west, with another still unaccounted for. Emergency services were called to a home in Croydon early this morning after flames had already engulfed much of the property. Firefighters managed to bring the blaze under control, but one person was found dead inside the home. The identity of the victim has not yet been confirmed. A second person remains missing.
ABC News
27-05-2025
- General
- ABC News
Sydney house fire leaves one dead
One person is dead and another unaccounted-for after a house fire in Sydney's inner west. Emergency services responded to the blaze on Irrara Street, Croydon, at about 4am. When they arrived, the property was well alight and already severely damaged. "Firefighters have gained access to the home and conducted a search however they did have to withdraw due to the intensity of the fire and a roof collapse starting to occur." Once inside, firefighters located the remains of one person who has yet to be identified. A second occupant of the home has yet to be accounted for. "Officers attached to Burwood Police Area Command established a crime scene and have commenced an investigation into the circumstances surrounding the fire," NSW Police said in a statement. Traffic diversions are still in place as emergency services assess the scene. A report will be prepared for the coroner.
