Giving New Life to Old Supplies: Council Supports Animal Rescue Through Staff Initiative

26/06/2026

A staff-led initiative by Georges River Council is seeing expired first aid supplies donated to support injured and vulnerable animals.

Under the First Aid in the Workplace Code of Practice, workplaces are required to regularly check and replace first aid kit contents. This ensures all items are within their expiry dates and suitable for use on people. This process is key for safety and compliance. However, it results in a lot of unused materials being thrown away each year.

Council's Rangers Team, in collaboration with the Work Health and Safety (WHS) team, recognised the opportunity to reduce waste and support the community. They collected expired first aid items and redirected them to Animal Rescue Support Incorporated (ARC).

Although these items can no longer be used in human first aid, many products, such as bandages, gauze and wraps, remain suitable for animal care. Wildlife carers and animal rescue groups can safely use these materials to treat injured animals. This extends the life of supplies that would otherwise end up in landfill.

This initiative reflects Council's broader commitment to sustainability and community wellbeing. It ensures resources are used responsibly while supporting organisations that play a key role in rescuing and rehabilitating animals.

Georges River Council General Manager David Tuxford said, "Simple, thoughtful actions like this can have a real impact.

"The initiative shows how staff-driven ideas create positive results for the community. By working together, we're able to reduce waste while supporting organisations that provide essential care for animals in need."

Each year, many first aid supplies are replaced in Australian workplaces because they expire. Initiatives like this show how these materials can be repurposed, reducing waste and delivering benefits to the community.

ARC has welcomed the donation of supplies. They will assist volunteers in providing timely care to injured wildlife and domestic animals.

This initiative forms part of Council's ongoing efforts to identify practical ways to support local organisations and deliver environmental benefits for the Georges River community.