Meet Scott Lyall, Keeping Australia Beautiful one garage sale at a time.

Based in Sydney, Scott is the Executive Officer of the Keep Australia Beautiful National Association. 

What is the best thing about garage sales?

You get to have fun, meet great people, keep useful items in circulation and earn some extra cash. 

What’s the best thing you’ve ever bought at a garage sale?

It all started when I was 10 years old and plucked up the courage to bid 20c for a painting of a ship at sea. To my surprise and dismay my little brother outbid me and I was to shocked to bid again. He got me that time…

What’s the craziest thing you’ve ever seen at a garage sale?

Not so much ‘seen’, but the craziest way a garage sale ended: I was selling a desk I had found in a back lane because it was too good to waste. I learned after, chatting for a little while that we were in fact long lost cousins which served as the impetus for us hosting a full-on family reunion. 

So from a small wooden desk, grew a massive family reunion - that’s pretty special. 

What goes on in your garage? 

We don’t have a garage but we have an extremely active back lane with a culture of swaps. On one day I needed two joists and some corrugated iron, before going anywhere else I had a look around the lane and found both things within half an hour. 

Another time, I decided I needed an Acubra hat size 57. Within days I had found one - even a size 57 just goes to show that if you ask, the universe does provide. 

Whose garage sale would you most like to go to?

Kamahl’s, love that voice. 

What would be your dream garage sale find?

A magic lamp with three wishes left. 

Whats the most treasured possession in your garage in your garage?

My surfboards. 

Who would be in your dream garage band?

The beach boys. 

Whose second hand shoes would you most like to walk in?

Mahatma Ghandi. 

What’s your best tip for ‘Garage Sale etiquette?’

Be ready early and don’t be surprised if ‘The Russians’ are knocking on the door. Eastern Europeans, especially those from socialist countries have a very strong garage sale culture and like to get out for the early bargains. 

What’s your top sustainability tip?

Try to recycle or re-sell rather than send to the tip. 

Your old junk i often someone else’s treasure. 

As part of the Garage Sale Trail, we’re asking all participants to donate 10% of their takings from the day to Keep Australia Beautiful. 

To find out more about their amazing work check out www.kab.org.au or check out their Facebook group