On the south bank of the Murray River in Victoria lies the small border town of Yarrawonga. It is referred to as the ‘Inland Aquatic Paradise’, as Lake Mulwala is used for an array of water sports. It is here that the ‘bag ladies’ come together with a common cause… to reduce plastic waste.

The Yarrawonga Neighbourhood House (YNH) used a $4,887 grant, thanks to the William Buckland Foundation, and FRRR’s Small Grants for Rural Communities program, to purchase two overlockers, a sewing machine and various cutting tools. YNH joined an initiative called ‘Boomerang Bags’, designed to reduce the use of plastic bags by engaging local communities in the making of reusable shopping bags. It is a community-driven initiative tackling plastic pollution using recycled materials.

One Boomerang Bag can replace 75 single use plastic bags.

YNH collaborated with the local opportunity shops, businesses and community members to supply the fabric. Debbie Cooper from YNH, explains that the bags are made available free of charge to the community at markets, fairs, stalls and local supermarkets.

“Our sewing bee group consists of people with diverse abilities who have made personal connections with each other. They are affectionately known as the “Bag Ladies”. We have people sewing at home, as well as those who come to the centre.

“While it’s making a difference to the environment, it’s also helping assist isolated and vulnerable people to connect and engage with their community, building confidence and opportunities. Adding a social cause to social connection programs is an effective way of engaging a community. People in our community want to reduce waste!”