About the Ask
The Reconnect Project are seeking urgent donations of 2020 & 2022 Apple iPhone SE models* with every phone received providing employment opportunities for neurodivergent young adult technicians and helping connect a person in need to essential services.
(*they will accept ALL models of mobile phones but need iPhones that support MyGov, Centrelink and banking apps)
Why Donate
There are an estimated 23 million mobile phones sitting unused in drawers and garages all over Australia, plus tablets and laptops that have broken or been put aside in favour of a newer model. With a simple repair, secure erasure of data and an overall clean, these devices are ready for (re)connecting people to family, friends and essential services, and help close the digital divide in Australia. A clean, untracked mobile phone is essential for
- A woman fleeing family violence. A person in transitional housing needs a way to be contacted by support services.
- A refugee in detention, a mobile phone provides connection to the world.
- A young person without access to a computer can use a tablet or a laptop for completing studies or applying for work.
If you’ve got devices to donate, that’s great! The Reconnect Project accept all makes and models of mobile phones and tablets, regardless of their age or condition; and laptops that are less than 10 years old.
Before donating your device, it’s best if you can remove your personal information by performing a factory reset. This will remove all iCloud or Google account information.
You can find instructions here on the Mobile Muster website.
Once they receive your device, it enters a triage process where volunteers assess it’s functionality and work out what spare parts we may need to purchase. The chief wizard (mobile device repair technician) will then repair the device and we can now undertake a secure erase process using Blancco software, the global leader in end of life solutions for technology. If required, we can provide a Certificate of Erasure for your device.
In the instance that the device cannot be repaired or refurbished, we’ll set it aside to use for spare parts. Any broken parts or devices that can’t be revived are sent to Mobile Muster for secure recycling, where phones are shredded and the valuable metals are extracted for recycling. Our aim is to avoid landfill at every step of our process.
Mail Your Device
The Reconnect Project
8 The Strand
Penshurst NSW 2222
or
Drop off your device
Our authorised donation stations are located at:
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Bondi Junction - The Boot Factory, 27-33 Spring St, Bondi Junction
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Hurstville - Hurstville Library 12 – 20 Dora Street, Hurstville
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Kogarah - Kogarah Library Kogarah Town Square Belgrave Street, Kogarah
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Lane Cove - Lane Cove Council Civic Centre 48 Longueville Road, Lane Cove
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Manly - Office of James Griffin, MP Shop 2, 2 Wentworth Street, Manly
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Marrickville - Among The Trees, 27 Sydney Street, Marrickville
Saturday only: 10am – 4pm -
Marrickville - Reverse Garbage 30 Carrington Road, Marrickville
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Northbridge - Office of Tim James MP Shop 26/145-151 Sailors Bay Rd, Northbridge
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Sutherland - Sutherland Shire Council Customer Service Centre 4–20 Eton Street, Sutherland
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Thornleigh- Community Recycling Centre - 29 Sefton Road, Thornleigh
Tuesday - Friday: 8:30am - 4pm
Saturday: 8:30am - 12pm
