Post office billy cart offers fresh fruit to the community

A new billy cart installed outside the post office will allow locals to help themselves to fresh leftover produce thanks to an Australia Post People of the Post community project.

The cart — a project by the Men’s Shed— was installed by the Community Resource Centre as a way to share any excess produce from the local community that would have otherwise gone to waste.

The centre manager for the Brunswick Junction Community Resource Centre, Tina Wallis, said the cart will hopefully bring more foot traffic along the main street.

“I think it helps connect the community, that was our vision when we first thought about it,” she said.

“We . . . noticed this morning on the way into work that people are actually coming along and using the cart already.”

The cart is part of a project by the Resource Centre to help rejuvenate the appearance of the town.

“We’re hoping to activate the high street with other projects . . . we’re looking at other ideas to beautify Brunswick because it needs a little sparkle,” Ms Wallis said.

Australia Post’s Liz Burgowne nominated the Brunswick community groups for the grant, and was thrilled when their application was accepted.

She said projects like the cart are exactly the type of thing that Australia Post wants to support.

“I was so pleased we were successful, it’s for a good cause, and that’s the target group that Australia Post wants to support, community groups like the Lions Clubs, and especially the Men’s Shed.”

President of the Men’s Shed Eric Browne said the cart is a great example of the community work done by the organisation.

“We’re prepared to help the community in any way,” he said.

“We’ve currently got 54 members, and whenever you need a pair of hands, we’re available.”

The cart is mobile, and will be rolled out across the main street over time, however it will remain outside the post office until around Christmas.