These days we're all looking for ways to reduce our water use, but now you don't have to sacrifice a clean car to reduce your water footprint.
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Tamworth's first waterless car wash has opened for business in Bridge Street.
Flourish Australia is behind the project, which will employ people with a mental health issue, giving many of them their first job.
The 'Waterless Car Wash' will be the group's first social enterprise in the New England/North West region.
Flourish Australia Senior Cluster Manager, Jim Booth, said for many, this may be their first real opportunity for meaningful employment and for others it may be a new opportunity where past attempts at employment have failed for various reasons.
"These failures can have a truly devastating effect upon people's lives, and we aim to turn that around and create new jobs across the region," Mr Booth said.
With the community still on Level 5 water restrictions it was seen as an ideal time to enter the marketplace.
"It is estimated this can save up to 300 litres of water per vehicle wash and works by using spray-on chemicals to soften and lift dirt and other materials from the vehicle and this is wiped off with a microfibre cloth, making sure the vehicle duco is not damaged," Mr Booth said.
A reduced amount of water is used to remove heavy mud.
"We have practiced the systems with our supported employees on-site over the last few months and perfected the use of the chemicals and industrial vacuums to be sure we can provide a quality service and that the team knows what to expect when we swing to commercial operation this week," Mr Booth said.
"Cars are not washed in a hurry so we have a waiting room or people can drop vehicles off and pick them up a few hours later.
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"We have installed EFTPOS facilities (and) ultimately, we hope to attract fleet owners and build our workforce from the current 29 supported employees to more than 50.
"This creates new employment opportunities in Tamworth for people who have remained unemployed for long periods and provides a new dignity for them in their life, not to mention the importance of having a reason to get out of bed in the morning and the socialisation opportunities that may people had withdrawn from, due to their mental health issues."