After nearly three years and the creation of almost 4500 reusable shopping bags, the Boomerang Bags Bendigo group is closing.
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The group was formed by Loretta Kingston-Brown and Leanne James to combat the use of single-use plastic bags, but significant progress means the women feel their energy is better directed elsewhere.
Ms Kingston-Brown said single-use plastics were prolific at the time she and Ms James introduced the global Boomerang Bags initiative to Bendigo in 2017, but since then plastic bag bans had come into force and there was more awareness.
The immediate group has about 60 members, and has worked with schools, community groups, businesses, the Bendigo Community Farmers Market and the Department of Justice.
Read more: Reusable bag movement gathers momentum
Since 2017, the group has been responsible for the creation of almost 4500 reusable bags.
"Every one of those bags saves thousands of plastic bags," Ms Kingston-Brown said.
She said it had been easy to get support for the initiative in Bendigo, given the level of connection and commitment to the community in the city.
Early intervention service provider Noah's Ark gave the group space in which to sew, and the group was backed by the Bendigo Sustainability Group.
Ms Kingston-Brown said one of the greatest things the group had done was collaborate with St Francis of the Fields Primary School and one of its students.
The group donated bags for sale to raise money for a recycled plastic seat at the school.
The last of the group's sewing bees will be held on January 19, but members are encouraged to continue sewing beyond that for donation to two schools for the purchase of more recycled plastic seats.
The bags will be presented to the schools at the end of next month.
Ms Kingston-Brown said the group's volunteers were dedicated, community-minded and environmentally-minded people who were committed to making a difference.
She said that while the group would no longer exist, she encouraged people to continue making reusable bags.
Looking to the future, Ms Kingston-Brown said she and Ms James would put their efforts towards education and modelling of sustainable practices and living a less consumer-driven life.
Natalie Croxon
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
Reporter at the Illawarra Mercury, mostly covering social affairs. Previously of the Bendigo Advertiser, Northern Daily Leader and Quirindi Advocate. Our Watch award winner.
