Boomerang Bags is a community driven initiative aimed at tackling plastic pollution. The concept began on the Gold Coast and sees recycled materials take on a new life.

The initiative has taken off around Australia and now Berry is embracing the concept.  

Boomerang Bags Berry formed in August and is already halfway to their achieving their first goal of 1000 Boomerang Bags. 

The group’s aim is for the bags to be available from Boomerang Boxes around the Shoalhaven for people to collect, do their shopping and then return them to their nearest Boomerang Box.  

Organiser Elizabeth Dubbelde is encouraging everyone to join the group and make a contribution towards helping our environment. 

“We’ve even had some children sew some bags which definitely helps spread the message and men are also welcome to join in,” she said.

“You don’t even need to know how to sew, we’ll teach you and you don’t have to have your own sewing machine. We can also teach you how to screenprint,” she said.

Ms Dubbelde said the idea has been welcomed by both the local community and keen sewers from afar. 

“We’re all suffering as a result of one use plastic and people are really starting to get on board,” she said.

“We’ve had people from Canberra, Wollongong and Gerringong and the bags are also a good advertisement for the area.” 

Each bag features a screen printed pocket with Berry, NSW emblazoned on them. 

All fabric donations are welcomed and can include doona covers, jeans, mens shirts and pillowcases.

While Boomerang Bags Berry meet monthly, anyone unable to get there can sew the bags at home.

If time constraints prevail, the group also welcomes pieces of the bag such as handles, the screenprinted section or pockets. They will later be added to complete the bags as a whole.

Boomerang Bag kits can be delivered by contacting Ms Dubbelde or collected from Fiona Schreurs at Shoalhaven City Council.

Boomerang Bags Berry will next meet on January 10 under the grandstand at Berry Showground. The following meeting dates include February 7 and March 7. Excluding January, the group aims to meet on the first Tuesday of the month. 

For more information about the initiative or to become involved contact Elizabeth on 0431 663 189 or Fiona Schreurs on 4429 3137. A pattern for the bags and information on its origins can be found at Boomerang Bags. 

The group also regularly updates their progress on Facebook at Boomerang Bags Shoalhaven City Council and Boomerang Bags Berry. Follow their Instagram account @boomerangbagsberry