The Inspirational Story

Under normal circumstances, GLT employs 70 staff nationally and carry over 100,000 passengers each year on our tours throughout Victoria, New South Wales, South Australia and Western Australia. But like most tourism businesses around the world, our company was devastated by the COVID-19 crisis when tour operations came to a standstill in early April.   

CEO Paul Beames was heartbroken after standing down the entire workforce. “I went to the depot determined to change the destiny for our crew. On the way, I tripped over a bunch of wooden pallets on the nature strip from the neighbour’s factory. I sparked a conversation and discovered they were destined for landfill. I commented that was such a waste as they were in perfect condition and the neighbour happily offered them to me and said he could offer a steady supply.”

Paul continues, “with plenty of space in the depot and a shed full of tools, I started knocking together some prototypes. It blew me away how funky some of the designs from the wood grain polished up. I looked around and thought, we have all this vacant space, massive workbenches, lots of tools and a lot of talented people. I knew if I could convert the space into a furniture factory, I could re-employee some of the guides who had been stood down. And Pallets with Purpose was born”.

You can read the full story and Q&A with Paul here.

Follow our furniture adventures on the Pallets with Purpose Facebook Page.

The Elevator Pitch

Next time you’re after a piece of furniture don’t go and buy a cheap piece of crap from a foreign-owned multinational. Instead, buy local and support Australian businesses. Every piece of furniture we make is unique. We have used 100% recycled timber. The tables are as solid and hard as a diamond in a snowstorm, and the unique characteristics and marbling in the wood are stunning. You have a flip-top cavity in the centre of the table which you can out an esky in, remote controls, toys or whatever you please!

But the most significant selling point is this furniture has been built with love, purpose and meaning. By purchasing one, you are supporting a local business and its passionate people through a difficult time.

purchase a 100% recycled & limited edition table now!