With Coles and Woolworths banning plastic bags from next year, the local community is banding together to create alternative re-useable bags. 

Community Plus, the Goulburn's Men Shed, Gallery on Track, Soroptimists, Goulburn Mulwaree Council and a band of willing volunteers, making bags from donated and recycled fabrics, have joined forces  to bring Boomerang Bags to Goulburn.

Project coordinator Dr Ursula Stephens said the Goulburn Boomerang Bags project started with an information session in February.

“Over 20 people committed to help reduce the amount of plastic bags in the community,” Dr Stephens said. 

“The project got a boost when Woolworths and Coles announced they would be phasing out single use plastic bags from 2018.

“There are now more than 300 communities involved in the Boomerang Bag project not just in Australia, but around the world.

 "We have a willing band of helpers from aged 5 to 95, who have been cutting, pinning, ironing and sewing, but we are always looking for more help.

She said on Saturday, September 23 they are having an all day Sewathon at Workspace2580.

“We hope to have teams of volunteers helping us get to our target of 500 bags for our official launch at the Lilac Festival Markets the following weekend,” she said. 

"This is truly a community project - the Men's Shed is making display boxes and stands for us, and the Gallery on Track has screen printed all the pockets.

“We have had some sewing machines donated and this is a great way to learn how to sew.

"As well as shopping bags, we're making mesh produce bags for fruit and veges as well as some bags that will be sold to support the project.”

The Gallery on Track has  agreed to stock the "bought to support Goulburn Boomerang Bags"

To find out more about follow the Boomerang Bags Goulburn Facebook page or call Community Plus on 48213350. Saturday's Sewathon will start at 9am.