Ballina Community Clothes Swap

from The Northern Rivers Times News Edition 230

Council Launches Tweed Festive Shopfront Competition

This December, ditch the Black Friday frenzy and join the Ballina Community Clothes Swap for a refreshing and sustainable approach to fashion.

Hosted by the Northern Rivers Community Gallery (NRCG), this free event is your chance to breathe new life into your wardrobe while reducing textile waste.

Event Details

• What: Clothes Swap & Creative Mending Workshop

• When: Wednesday, 11 December 2024, 12pm–2pm

• Where: Northern Rivers Community Gallery, 44 Cherry Street, Ballina

• Cost: Free

• Ages: Open to all Why Join the Clothes Swap?

Every year, Australians buy an average of 56 new clothing items, but shockingly, 6,000 kilos of clothing are sent to landfll every 10 minutes. In Ballina Shire alone, textiles make up 8% of kerbside landfll bins, making textile waste a signifcant environmental issue. The community clothes swap tackles these challenges by:

• Encouraging a circular economy where pre-loved clothing gets a new home.

• Offering a cost-free way to refresh your wardrobe.

• Creating an opportunity to connect with like-minded locals who care about sustainability. How It Works

To participate, bring your clean, quality clothing items to swap for tokens:

• Drop-off times: o Tuesday, 10 December, 2pm–4pm o Wednesday, 11 December, 10am–11am Tokens can then be exchanged for new-to-you items at the event. Clothing for all genders, sizes, and adaptive needs is welcome, and availability will depend on the contributions of participants.

Creative Mending Workshop

Alongside the clothes swap, join a free hands-on mending workshop with multi-disciplinary artist Pippin Nicholson. Learn simple, practical sewing techniques to repair and rejuvenate your garments using recycled materials.

• What to bring: A clothing item to mend (optional). No prior sewing experience required.

• What’s provided: Tools, materials, and expert guidance.

“Mending and patching are not just cost-effective, they’re a creative way to fght fast fashion and reduce environmental impact,” said Pippin Nicholson.

A Step Towards Sustainability

“This event is a fun and practical way to address the challenges of fast fashion and textile waste,” said Justine Rowe, Council’s Resource Recovery Education Offcer.

Gallery Coordinator Imbi Davidson added, “By swapping clothes and embracing creativity, we’re not only reducing landfll but also building community connections. Together, we can foster a more sustainable future.”

For more information or to get involved, visit www. nrcgballina.com.au or call 02 6681 0530.

Let’s make fashion sustainable—one swap and stitch at a time!

PLAYFORD, Rosemary

Passed away peacefully 29th November 2024 at the Lismore Base Hospital.

Much loved daughter of Frederick Leonard and Faith Playford (both dec).

Loved sister of Margaret and Russell, and sister-in-law of Winifred.

Aged 89 Years

Relatives and friends are invited to attend Rosemary’s funeral service to be held Friday 6th December 2024 at the Richmond Chapel Parkview Funeral Home, 21 Kalinga Street Ballina NSW, Commencing at 10.00am.

In Loving Memory of Heather Jean Hayward 27 August 1936-12 November 2024

Aged 88 Years