By Brendan Rees
With plastic bags now out, a volunteer group in Cranbourne East has joined a growing movement in sewing reusable bags to help with the change.
Balla Balla Community Centre is doing its bit to cut plastic pollution by making Boomerang bags.
A group will meet weekly from 17 July for 10 weeks in making re-usable bags out of recycled material, then donate them free to community groups.
Manager Maree Cullinan said the project was a grassroots, community driven movement tackling plastic pollution at its source.
“We believe this project will provide a warm and friendly environment where people can come in, have a chat, make new friend, whilst producing these much needed Boomerang Bags,” she said.
“Boomerang Bags provide a free, fun, sustainable alternative to plastic bags.
The idea of the bags is that people can return them whenever they’re no longer needed, she added.
She said the centre chose to fund the project to help teach people sewing skills, and encourage others who may be at home looking for a sense of purpose.
“It does not matter if you can or cannot sew, the program will be facilitated by an experienced teacher who will teach the art of sewing to those who want to learn.
“It is a great opportunity to come together and be part of how our community can change to manage this issue,” she said.
Ms Cullinan said the centre was also on the lookout for donations of sewing machines and leftover fabrics that can be turned into fashionable bags.
The group will meet on Tuesday 17 July from 9.30am-12.30pm.
