Boomerang Bags Wangaratta
The story behind Boomerang Bags began in Burleigh Heads, QLD where a young lady and her friend wanted to reduce plastic shopping bags. They started with the idea of making re-useable bags using recycled fabrics however neither lady could sew. They recruited family, friends and volunteers and started the bag making process which bags were then provided at shops for people to use and return. Within a year over 100 communities around Australia had joined Boomerang Bags and to date there are now 1145 communities around the world.
Wangaratta Boomerang Bags began in 2017 where the first workshop started and people learned the bag making process. We were fortunate to have large rolls of donated fabrics and almost overnight we were supplying bags to Wangaratta Wholefoods and Olive Health Food. All we asked in return was a gold coin donation for a bag and they encourage their customers to take a bag and re use it each time they shopped.
Over time we have been fortunate to have spaces provided to us so we can meet and sew together and currently we use a room at the Centre on Mondays. We have all our own sewing and ironing equipment and an endless supply of donated fabrics. We have around 20 ladies ranging in ages from late 50’s to early 80’s and all with the one goal, to save our planet. There is the continual whirring of machines, endless chatter and laughter and an incredible amount of love and support shown to each and every member.
Our range of products has expanded with specialty bags, produce bags, bowl cosies, aprons, car garbage bags, buntings etc. Providing bags to Wangaratta City Council for a shopping promotion, Bags to Anglicare Mother and Babies, Share the Dignity, Loaves and Fishes, Sassy Sisters, Orange Door, Centre Against Sexual Assault, Wangaratta Library, Open Door Neighbourhood House, Lutheran Op-Shop, La Bella Rocco, Olive Health Foods, Wangaratta Whole foods, Park Lane Nursery, Making pouches for wildlife, Upper Murray Family Care and providing North East Health with 40 Telemetry bags a month.
We are very grateful to the RCOW for the valuable support we have received over the years, including grants, working with the Waste & Environmental team & other individuals helping to educate the public around re-using of waste items to live another life creating less landfill and helping us support our local community in a myriad of ways, notwithstanding the strong bonds, companionship and value this group has managed to create within itself.
There is never a dull moment, rarely a quiet time, always a sewing project and if you ever want to pop in and join us for a cuppa please feel free to do so on a Monday!
Contact Mary-Ann Sargent | 0438433543
To find out about Boomerang Bags visit http://boomerangbags.org/
