Community-driven initiative helping reduce landfill in Whyalla
Whyalla City Council is proud to promote the efforts of the local Boomerang Bags team, a volunteer group turning unwanted clothing and materials into reusable products while giving back to the community.
The Boomerang Bags initiative is an example of grassroots action making a real difference. Volunteers donate their time to repurpose discarded textiles, old clothes, and other materials into reusable bags and a range of personalised items, helping to reduce waste sent to landfill while supporting fundraising efforts for the Rotary Club.
The group also contributes directly to the community, with their handmade bags available at the Whyalla Public Library. These bags are used as book carriers and are also available for purchase, offering residents a sustainable and unique alternative to single-use bags. In addition to bags, the team can create customised items such as memory pillows and other keepsakes, giving new life to sentimental materials.
Council recently connected with Boomerang Bags team leader Lesley, who is seeking support to continue and grow the program, ensuring more textiles are diverted from landfill and given a second life.
“At Boomerang Bags, our focus is on helping the environment by repurposing materials into something meaningful and useful. Nothing goes to waste, every offcut is used and nothing ends up in landfill. If people have fabric or items they’d like transformed, we can turn them into something special to them. We’re a diverse group, with volunteers contributing in different ways from sewing and ironing to working from home and bringing pieces in. Every stitch means something to us, as we like to say, ‘one raindrop raises the ocean.’ All proceeds from our sales go back to the Rotary Club of Whyalla, supporting important humanitarian work.”
Whyalla City Council Waste Officer Charuka Sanduni said initiatives like Boomerang Bags play an important role in supporting the city’s waste reduction goals.
“Initiatives like Boomerang Bags show how community-led actions can have a big impact,” Ms Sanduni said.
“By repurposing unwanted clothing and materials into reusable products, the group is not only reducing the amount of textile waste going to landfill but also encouraging more sustainable habits across the community.”
Council encourages residents to support the initiative by purchasing reusable bags from the library or considering donating suitable materials, old clothes, or fabrics.
Where can I donate material?
Donations of materials, old clothing, fabric or other suitable items can be made by contacting Boomerang Bags through their Facebook page, or by dropping items off in person. The group is available on the first Friday of every month from 11am to 3pm at Jubilee Park, where donations can be brought directly to the team. They can also arrange a pickup or organise a time to meet if needed, and donations can be given when the group is attending local markets.
