More than 200 sales and stalls will pop up in garages and across front lawns in Port Macquarie, Wauchope, Telegraph Point, Comboyne and the Camden Haven as part of the national Garage Sale Trail initiative, locally powered by Port Macquarie-Hastings Council.

Shoppers are encouraged to head online to plan their treasure trail in advance, share interesting items on social media and take their personalised map with them on the hunt on their smartphone or tablet.

Port Macquarie-Hastings Mayor Peter Besseling said it’s great to see the community getting behind this popular sustainability initiative.

The Hastings is sitting in the top five of councils nationwide for the number of sales registered.

“Organisers have projected that more than 10,000 items worth more than $35,000 will be resold and resused within our local community on Saturday, October 22,” CR Besseling said.

“That’s a lot of stuff being given a new life and kept out of our local landfill.

“Every year, the average Australian family produces enough waste to fill a three-bedroom house, and our waste is growing six times faster than our population.

“Buying and selling at a garage sale is a great way to reduce and think differently about waste.”

Be sure to head to Charles Sturt University on Major Innes Road, where council and community groups will hold one big joint sale with food, fun and entertainment from 9am to 1pm.

One seller has offered to make you a cup of tea if you make the trip to Telegraph Point, another family will use funds raised to pay for their mum’s knee replacement, and there are a number of sales making money for community groups and charities.

The Garage Sale Trail will see more than 15,000 garage sales happening across the country and more than 3 million preloved items up for grabs on one big day of trading.

Details of each sale, including addresses, opening times and items for sale can be found on the Garage Sale Trail website www.garagesaletrail.com.au.