Do you find it hard to remember to take your reusable bags when you go shopping? There’s a solution on its way and it’s coming from the Kyneton community supported by Kyneton Transition Hub and Kyneton Community & Learning Centre.

An enthusiastic group of locals is organising sewing bees to deliver community made and shared reusable cloth bags where you need them most. This is part of the Boomerang Bag initiative started by two young women on the Gold Coast in 2013 which is now expanding around Australia and overseas. Its aim is to reduce plastic bag use and protect ocean life. For more information on the Boomerang Bag movement check out their website.

The bags are made from donated fabric and upcycled clothing and linen. Donations of fabric and linen are already coming in, and if you have a sewing machine, iron, overlocker or other sewing equipment you no longer want the group would love to hear from you.

The first sewing bee is on Thursday 4^th May at the Kyneton Community & Learning Centre (KCLC) from 9.30 am to 3 pm. Come for the whole day or just a while. Sewing machines, scissors, etc. are available or bring your own. No sewing experience is needed and there are lots of fun jobs including cutting fabric, ironing, pinning and screen printing. Kids are welcome.

Regular sewing bees will also be hosted by BUPA and RM Begg to make even more connections in the community. Monthly weekend sessions are also available.

Schedule for May:
Thursday 4^th May – 9.30 to 3 pm – KCLC
Thursday 11^th May – 1 to 3 pm – BUPA (and then every second Thursday of the month)
Thursday 18^th May – 9.30 to 12 noon – RM Begg (and then every third Thursday of the month)
Sunday 21^st May – 1 to 4 pm – KCLC
Wednesday 24^th May – 9.30 am to 3 pm – KCLC

If these days don’t suit please contact the group as sewing bees will be scheduled to suit everyone and further partnerships with schools and other community groups will be welcome.

For more information find us on Facebook, email Kynetonboomerangbags@gmail.com or call KCLC on 5422 3433.