How Our Trial Circular Economy Project Sparked Inclusive Impact: Reimagining Manufacturing

In our journey to build a circular economy at Deals Colony, each project teaches us something new. Some start as small experiments. Some grow into meaningful opportunities. And sometimes, an old memory reignites a powerful idea that changes everything.

This is the story of how we tested a trial upcycling manufacturing project—with heart, purpose, and the help of some extraordinary individuals in our community.

Walking a Mile That Sparked a Movement

Years ago, I worked with a not-for-profit organisation called Endeavour Foundation, which supports people with intellectual disabilities. During my induction, I participated in a powerful initiative called "Walk a Mile in My Shoes."

It wasn’t just training—it was a full day inside their manufacturing site, where I saw first-hand the talent, dedication, and pride that people with disabilities bring to their work.

What I witnessed stuck with me: people who, with the right environment and support, could thrive—adding value not just to products, but to lives, teams, and entire organisations.

That memory would later become the heart of a new vision at Deals Colony.

The Spark Returns: A New Trial Project

Years later, while running Deals Colony and searching for ways to expand our circular retail product line, I received a call from another not-for-profit organisation that supports people facing employment barriers.

They wanted to explore collaboration.

Although I knew there might be system constraints and logistical challenges, my heart said yes—because I’d seen what’s possible before.

I met with Sandra and Tony, who introduced me to their incredible facility and team. Their infrastructure was exactly what I needed to test a manufacturing trial for upcycled gift items.

What started as a single trial project to repackage and upcycle Christmas products… turned into something far more meaningful.

A New Circular Economy Prototype is Born

In collaboration with their team, we created a one-of-a-kind hand-painted upcycled resin horse lamp, featuring a special marbling technique guided by their team lead, Andrew.

The lamp was not only a work of art—it was a proof of concept.

Our goal was simple:

• Can a circular retail idea be produced with inclusive teams?

• Can upcycled gifting products support both environment and employment?

• Can purpose-led manufacturing be part of small business growth?

Yes. Yes. And absolutely, yes.

This project allowed us to test:

• Small batch production

• Hobby-to-retail transformation

• Packaging and quality control by a supported workforce

• Real customer feedback through circular gifting events

A group of enthusiastic participants gathers around a table, engaging in a brainstorming session to creatively name their transformed masterpiece during a lively storytelling workshop.

Why This Matters to Schools, NDIS Providers & Communities

This isn’t just a one-off feel-good story. It’s a viable prototype that we’re ready to scale—when the time and collaborations are right.

We believe this can:

• Create meaningful jobs for people with unique abilities

• Offer engaging school & vocational pathways

• Enable purpose-led procurement for councils & community orgs

• Provide NDIS partners with a project that connects life skills, wellbeing & creative entrepreneurship

It’s not just about making something new from old—it’s about giving every person a reason to feel proud of what they help build.

A creatively upcycled lamp, designed as part of the Circular by Design Program, utilising a horse lamp to support NDIS partners in enhancing manufacturing skills and capacity.

What’s Next?

This was just the beginning.

We've developed another circular economy product prototype—ready to launch with the right partner.

And in our next blog, we’ll share how this idea grew into something even more impactful:✨ Jobs for local creatives and neurodiverse talent✨ Circular creativity turned into income streams✨ Real stories of inclusion, impact, and community pride

Final Thoughts

Whether you’re a school looking to inspire students with real-world sustainability…A workplace searching for a creative team-building activity…Or an organisation ready to co-create impact with us…

👉 Let’s talk.

📩 Book an Initial Assessment for Your Idea📍 Or invite us to run this initiative as part of your program.

Because when circular meets inclusive, magic happens—and everyone wins. 🌏