The school community at Broulee Public School, NSW, has found a special way to remember two of their students who sadly passed away with their father in a car accident on the Kings Highway.

Beverley Dent, Administrative Manager, Broulee Public School said the school thought the surfboard-shaped Beachcomber seat would be an appropriate tribute. The school loved the idea that the seat is so durable saying they looked forward to the fact that there would be, ‘No painting, sanding, or maintenance’. The words etched on the seat: still laughing, still surfing, still my friend now provide a lasting reminder of Kayla and Sky Burdett to all of their friends.

After seeing Enduroplank™ on a public launching ramp at Drummoyne, John Vitali from NSW, decided to replace the timber on the boat ramp outside his home with recycled-plastic decking. John installed the deck with the help of his brother-in-law and reports that they found the product quick and easy to install. John no longer has to worry about maintenance and is constantly asked about his new slip-resistant boat ramp by envious guests and neighbours.

After installing a range of furniture along the coast and a new beach access at Evans Head Surf Club, NSW, Graeme Robertson from Richmond Valley Council says, ‘Replas is now the first place we look to find products to suit our needs’. Adding that he, ‘would recommend other Councils to look at the products. ‘It was an extreme marine environment and the Replas product was the only one which fitted the bill. No rust, no degradation of material, easily maintained, good environmental footprint.’ Graeme Robertson, Assests – Administrator, Richmond Valley Council.

Previously, hardwood board and chain systems were used to maintain access and offer traction to service vehicles at Cronulla beach, NSW. However, as timber is subject to breaking and splintering it created an OHS issue for users. Enduroplank™ was chosen to provide a safer, more durable solution. ‘User safety was increased as the Enduroplank™ product has far more flex than the timber hardwood alternative meaning no splintering or snapping.’ Kurt Laboyrie | Operations Manager, Cronulla Coastal Management Centre.

As many of us head to the beach these holidays spare a thought for our poor coastline as it has to cope with thousands of hot little feet throughout the summer. Like many popular beaches, One Mile Beach in Forster, NSW had an issue of pedestrian related erosion. A new boardwalk installed by Great Lakes Council has provided an innovative solution to this common problem.

The council chose recycled-plastic Enduromesh as they wanted a surface where the sand could easily wash away. Andrew Staniland, Parks Natural Assets Officer at the council said their decision was, ‘based on the cost comparison to normal building materials and the limited maintenance,’ adding, ‘with the majority of users being bare foot on this high use facility, the inert compounds (chemicals and make up of product) provided peace of mind’.

To make the project cost-effective a treated pine support structure was used. However, composite fibre beams were used underneath a beach shower as they will last longer in wet conditions.

Visitors to the Ulladulla Headland Tourist Park in NSW now have easy access to Lobster Jack’s Beach with the installation of a new Enduroplank™ boardwalk. Park owners Kevin & Lee Walsh felt it was the right choice when compared with timber because of its strength, durability and the fact that maintenance will be minimal. Kevin says of Enduroplank™, ‘It surprised me that it was not slippery in the wet and it appears it will take a beating,’ adding, ‘I would certainly consider using Replas products in the future’.

Students are back for term three and for many schools the holidays were an opportunity to catch up on some much needed maintenance. With funds at a premium, clever schools are turning to Replas to supply them with products that don’t require any maintenance, freeing up precious school resources.

Mackellar Girls School, Manly Vale, NSW:

Christine Del Gallo, Principal at Mackellar Girls School, chose to install Replas benches because they were, ‘recycled material, sustainable, attractive and cost effective’. The benches replaced old timber seating and were easily installed by the school’s maintenance person. The school finds it easy to mow around the benches and reports cleaning is not an issue saying, ‘usually the rain cleans the benches’. Christine also says, ‘Students like the benches, find them comfortable and prefer them to the metal and old timber benches’.

When Bullimbal School in Tamworth, moved to a new school site in May, 2010 they were faced with the prospect of having no outside furniture. Greg O’Sullivan from the school, said, ‘We considered metal, wood and recycled plastic garden furniture,’ adding that in the end, ‘we settled on the Replas recycled plastic furniture’. Greg said it they were swayed by the low maintenance of recycled plastic finding it very affordable when the life expectancy was considered.

'We would be pleased to get more items from Replas and would happily recommend their products to others'. Greg O’Sullivan, Environmental Coordinator, Bullimbal School.

TNC Inc. is a community based organisation promoting recreation and leisure opportunities for people with an intellectual disability, living in the Blacktown area, NSW. The centre recently installed an Evolution seat from Replas, chosen to complement their existing security screens and bicycle rack.

‘Overall we are really happy with the quality of the seat. I have had one attempt at graffiti but this has washed off reasonably well. When we raise further funds we will have a Replas seat made to go around our beautiful gum tree in the back yard.’

- Elona Lang, TNC Inc.

Kogarah City Council, NSW, wanted to replace an old picket fence at Merriman Reserve as the existing timber was deteriorating. They wanted the traditional look of a picket fence, but were frustrated by the high maintenance costs of timber.

Replas was able to match the style and colour of the old fence with recycled-plastic pickets which are very low maintenance and will never need painting. Damien Duggan, Parks Technical Officer at the council, said he found the installation process to be easy, adding that as a result of this experience, ‘Council would look at different products Replas produce to use in the future’.