Kate Fern founded not-for-profit organisation The Power of Pallets , with the aim of reducing the amount of wood pallets going into landfill . For every tonne diverted , 670kg of carbon monoxide is saved , and we get the chance to buy some funky looking ethical furniture .
Since its inception in 2013 , it has evolved and taken on more social responsibility , and now runs five different Work for the Dole programs that support participants to upskill and find work . If you drive by the Buchan Street workshop you can see signage displaying the number of pallets saved , number of people placed in jobs and , the amount of money raised for charity .
Profits from upcycled pallets are donated to local charities that encourage developments in animal welfare , homelessness , domestic violence and disaster aid , and there ’ s an annual auction and cocktail gala that fundraises specifically for the Far North Queensland Hospital Foundation .
Talking about her motivations Kate explains that both her children were born at the Cairns hospital and her son , Lachlan , has epilepsy . ‘ We all need a hospital at some stage of our lives , but we ’ ve needed it a bit more than others . Everyone at the hospital has always been amazing . I ’ ve really been very lucky , very blessed , and I believe you should give back .’
I ask what Kate is most proud of with The Power of Pallets . She reflects on the differences between tangible and intangible outcomes and says , ‘ We can raise money , and we know it ’ s going to great causes but we don ’ t actually see the end results . With something like our Work for the Dole programs , it ’ s different .’
She remembers one participant who relocated to Cairns to move away from issues he was experiencing in his home town . Not able to find a job , he came to one of the Work for the Dole programs . ‘ He was an amazing person , and a great worker . One day , an employer walked in and said “ I want your best guy .” Well , we knew exactly who to recommend , and he still works for them til this day ! When we have outcomes like that , where we see the end results , we can stand back and say “ You know what ? We did some good today .” ’
Kate ’ s mum has been a Cairns business owner for 40 + years and Kate tells me that a refurbishment of one of her salons , using recycled pallets , was actually one of the very first pallet projects ! Kate ’ s sister , Grace Lillian Lee , who did the salon refurb , is another name you ’ re likely to have encountered . A Cairnsbased artist and designer ( but currently in Adelaide ) Grace has showcased internationally and curated this year ’ s CIAF fashion performance , Jana Jaral .
Both sisters are in high demand , and have been asked to present TEDxJCU talks . Kate will be speaking about The Power of Pallets , Grace about fashion and culture .
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