The crafty sewers behind Boomerang Bags Bundaberg have created a special keepsake for residents celebrating their citizenship at Council ceremonies.
From next month, not only will new Australian citizens be gifted a native tree by Bundaberg Regional Council at each ceremony, the tree will come inside a handmade Boomerang Bag created from upcycled material.
Coordinator of Boomerang Bags Bundaberg Carmen McEneany said providing the special keepsake for new citizens was something she was proud to be involved in.
“I thought it would be fabulous for our citizens to get something that is made right here in Bundaberg,” she said.
“The more things we can do to make people feel welcome in our amazing community, the better.”
Carmen said Boomerang Bags was established in Bundaberg four years ago and in that time, volunteers had sewn thousands of bags from upcycled, donated material.
“These bags are made from things like old sheets, pillowcases or even material that might have been in the back of your cupboard for 10 years!” she said.
“Anything we get, we appreciate.”
Carmen said there were plenty of benefits to owning a bag, including their large size and ability to be used for a range of different things.
“Shopping, a library bag, swimming bag – there are so many uses for these bags,” she said.
“There is also the benefit of recycling.
“We are not using plastic and instead are using material that might have ended up in landfill.”
Bundaberg Region Mayor Jack Dempsey congratulated the Bundaberg Boomerang Bags team on their efforts.
“Boomerang Bags are doing it again – supporting the environment, supporting the community and now supporting our great new citizens,” he said.
“These hardworking volunteers do a fantastic job and Bundaberg Regional Council is more than happy to support this great initiative.”
Want to become a Boomerang Bags volunteer?
Carmen said Boomerang Bags Bundaberg was always on the hunt for more volunteers.
“Even if people can sew at home, we would love them to get in touch with us,” she said.
“You don’t need to be a professional sewer to join, just basic knowledge on the sewing machine is enough.
“We also have a couple of big sewing bees during the year.”
Find out more about Boomerang Bags Bundaberg via the Facebook page here.
