Boomerang Bags Berry has landed at their new headquarters at Berry Showground.
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The sounds of sewing machines and scissors filled the committee rooms on Wednesday, February 15 as the group put the final touches on 1035 completed bags.
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.
Boomerang Bags Berry formed in August 2016 and is closing in on their goal to have Boomerang Bags available from Boomerang Boxes around the Shoalhaven for people to collect, do their shopping and then return them to their nearest Boomerang Box.
The group hope to have their first batch of bags available outside Berry IGA by the end of May.
Member Katrina Underwood encouraged everyone to take part in the project.
“You don’t have to know how to sew, we’ll teach you and you don’t even have to have a sewing machine, we can provide you with one,” she said.
Everyone, men included, are welcome, from young mums to children and retirees, Ms Underwood said the doors are open to all.
“You don’t even have to be particularly passionate about the project, maybe you’re just looking for a friend or a chat – we’re here,” she said.
“Young mums with children in school are always welcome. I remember when I was a young mum and I’d recently moved to the area I was quite lonely so to get out and meet people is wonderful, it does something for your self-esteem.”
The group will be meeting on the first and third Tuesday from 9.30am to 2.30pm. While Boomerang Bags Berry meet twice monthly, anyone unable to get there can sew the bags at home.
Kits are also available with all the pieces needed to create a Boomerang Bag at home.
“You don’t have to know how to sew, we’ll teach you and you don’t even have to have a sewing machine, we can provide you with one.
- Katrina Underwood
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.
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.
To become involved or receive a Boomerang Bag kit contact Elizabeth Dubbelde on 0431 663 189 or Fiona Schreurs from Shoalhaven City Council 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
