Cairns Community
Driving Change
As the Queensland government prepare to ban single use plastic bags from July 2018, the establishment of community
driven initiative, Boomerang Bags, will help that transition.
Boomerang Bags are designed to be borrowed and brought back, helping shoppers to stay plastic bag free if you forget
your bags.
The initiative began in Burleigh Heads, Qld and has since spread to 52 Australian communities. The bags are sewn by the
community for the community and once made are left in shopping centres in dedicated stands. Shoppers can avoid a plastic bag
by freely taking a reusable bag, with the idea that the bag will be returned net time they shop, hence ‘Boomerang Bag’.
Bess Murphy, CAFNEC’s Community Engagement Coordinator, says that even if people forget to return a bag, that’s okay.
“The aim of Boomerang Bags is to start conversations, make friends, up-cycle materials and work towards shifting
society’s throw away mentality to a more sustainable revolution of re-use - one community at a time.”
Bess says they’re aiming to have 1000 bags complete before they start the actual implementation. That means there’s a lot of
sewing to do, so come and get involved. Everybody is welcome, and if sewing’s not your thing there are plenty of other tasks to help
with.
Fabric, thread and sewing accessories are needed. If you have some that aren’t being used, bring them along to a meet-
up, or drop off at the donation box on the CAFNEC verandah.
When: First Thursday of every month from 4.30 – 7.30 pm.
Where: Downstairs of Cominos House, 27-27 Greenslopes Street, North Cairns.
Food Is Free - another global initiative that’s helping transform communities
through ultra local food production and repurposing salvaged materials. Get to
know your neighbours and grow food on your front lawn!
If you’re keen to get on board, join the Food is Free - Cairns Facebook page, for
the locations of five drop off boxes around Cairns where you can leave, take or
swap produce. Guaranteed more smiles all round!
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