Slabs, slabs, trenches and slabs #1

The last few weeks has seen significant, physical change at the centre.

New Retail Shed:

On the 17th of August, the slab of the new retail shed was formed up, and over 60 tonnes of concrete was poured the following day.

The contractors encountered a number of technical issues with regards to the slab's footings, due in part, to the high level of the underground water table (pictured below).

Fortunately, the technical problems were resolved and the work on the large retail shed's slab pour went ahead without a hitch.

Pictured below is the Concrete truck's "Elephant trunk" pouring concrete directly into the retail shed's formwork.

By mid-afternoon on Tuesday the 18th of August, the pour was complete and we had our first indication as to the eventual scale of the new structure.

500sqm of floor-space is a lot!!! of floor-space to work with, however we are looking forward to stocking the new shed full of freshly-sourced, second-hand material for our valued customers to enjoy.

Interactive sculpture sessions with locally-renowned sculptor Rick Pettit (entry #2)

Sculptor, Rick Pettit has been crafting one of the two, four-metre Turpentine wharf beams on site for the last two weeks.

http://salamanderrecycle.blogspot.com/2009/07/interactive-sculpture-sessions-with.html

The basic shapes of a number of various characters on the first totem pole have already been hewn from the wood.

One of the most-defined figures derived from the totem so far, is that of the Phoenix.

The legend of the Phoenix has been around for many centuries. There are various concepts, but the basic idea is that the Phoenix, being a mythological creature, would live for 1000 years. As the 1000 years came to an end, the Phoenix, according to legend, would build its own funeral pyre, and throw itself onto the flames.

As it died, the Phoenix would be reborn anew, and rise from the ashes to live for another 1000 years.

The correlation between rebirth and recycling are obvious; however the symbolism associated with the Phoenix is powerful and still relevant, even in today’s often cynical world.

Rick is skilfully combining the use of various tools like the contemporary chainsaw and angle grinder, with that of the ancient adze and axe to extract personas, such as the Phoenix, from the timber.

Mr Pettit's artwork is an inspiration to us all, and perhaps his efforts will inspire you to enter our art competition: PROJECT PHOENIX 2009.

The flyer artwork is pictured below, with full competition entry details being found on this blogsite at:

http://salamanderrecycle.blogspot.com/2009/07/competition-time.html

Donation of a second-hand racking system sought

We are on the lookout for a corporate or private donor, who is able to provide an obsolete racking system to fit out the new retail shed once it is built.

Ideally, we are interested in longspan shelving 2400mm high, 600mm deep with three adjustable shelf levels per bay (pictured above), but would obviously be willing to look at alternative options.

Interested parties may contact us via email on salamander.recycle@gmail.com or call Gerard on 0429 846 242.