Boomerang Bags group reaches milestone

Published on 07 November 2018

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Despite reaching the milestone of sewing 1,500 reusable bags last week, the team behind Boomerang Bags in Horsham insists the work is far from over.

Horsham Tidy Towns Committee and Horsham Urban Landcare Group joined forces to bring Boomerang Bags to the Wimmera in September last year.

The community-based initiative salvages fabric destined for landfill and turns it into reusable shopping bags for the public.

Group organiser Gillian Vanderwaal congratulated the group on their hard work.

“It has been a team effort and many members have given up hours of their time at our working bees, and we’re grateful,” Ms Vanderwaal said.

“It’s not something that is going to stop now. The demand for the bags will only get stronger with Christmas just around the corner.

“It’s not just about supermarket bags, Boomerang Bags are perfect for people to take with them when they are buying shoes, clothes and larger items,” she said.

The concept started when two Queensland residents wanted to reduce the amount of plastic bags in their community.

It has now grown across the country to involve more than 300 communities, with groups also appearing internationally.

The Horsham crew welcomes those of all skill levels to join.

“You don’t have to be an expert at sewing. We make sure everyone has fun at our working bees and some people just come to help hem and iron or make coffee,” Ms Vanderwaal said.

“The biggest thing we need right now is fabric. If people are taking down curtains, we’d love to have them and you can also donate doona covers and old fabric collections.

“We need to continue this movement in supporting people to have alternatives available and to use this fabric that would otherwise end up in landfill,” she said.

To get involved contact Ms Vanderwaal on 0427 646 728.

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