NEWS DESK
Campaigners rally for war on waste JOINING the Red Hill-based Plastic Bag Free Peninsula group in May was the catalyst for Gwen Giudici’s journey towards wanting to reduce waste in general. “At the meeting I was introduced to Boomerang Bags by Shelle Hepburn,” she said. “She had been sewing the bags in Sorrento with volunteers and school kids. At the meeting I suggested I could set up a group in Rosebud. “I live in Tootgarook but I knew a centrally located deli whose owners are very active in the war on waste.” La Casa Nostra Deli owners Susan and Phil Tomasello are opposed to paper bags and paper straws and encourage customers to bring in containers for deli products, while cutting 50 cents off a cup of coffee if they bring their own cup. “There is a world full of problems needing to be addressed but reducing waste is something I personally feel is where I can make a difference,” Ms Giudici said. “What hits me the most is the harm we inflict on animals with our waste. They are powerless against our carelessness. Many of us are not even aware of the damage we are doing and that’s where I want to make the change – create awareness and the change will follow.” Boomerang Bags are the ideal vehicle to create change: they replace plastic bags, start a conversation on waste, and help bring the community together. Ms Giudici said her group “couldn’t sew Boomerang Bags fast enough” to adequately supply supermarkets. “We are approaching businesses to stop supplying plastic bags as well as sharing ideas on how to reduce waste,” she said. “I can do only do so much; my main goal is to keep up supply to Sue at La Casa Nostra. She is happy to explain the Boomerang Bags initiative.” The group aims to hold a community sew at Rye Community House, Thursdays 12.30-3pm, after the school holidays. It also hopes to start sewing bees at retirement homes, libraries and schools. “By starting the group in Rosebud I’ve seen just how keen people are to make a change and Boomerang Bags has provided the perfect platform. Hopefully, our work will inspire more individuals to make a difference, whether they can sew or not,” Ms Giudici said. Stephen Taylor
Group explained IN celebration of NAIDOC Week, the work of Mornington Peninsula Shire’s Warringinee Group supporting cultural and services for Aboriginal people and Torres Strait islanders in the region will be detailed by group leader, Karan Kent, at the next meeting of the Southern Woman’s Action Network (SWAN). All women welcome, $8 donation includes morning tea. The meeting will be held from 9.30am Sunday 16 July at the Mornington Peninsula Shire Offices, corner Queen and Vancouver streets, Mornington. Call 0400 835 486.
Baker calls time AFTER 17 years in Main St, Mornington Frank and Karin Imming are closing Franks Classique Bakery and want to “thank our loyal customers” for their support. Their bakery was known as the “Hole in the wall” in Main St. Mr Imming’s departure ends five generations of baking in the family. The business has been sold with the final day of trading tomorrow (Wednesday 12 July). “Frank will now have time to find new creative hobbies, ride his motorbike and go sailing with me,” Mrs Imming said.
St Johns concert
In the bag: Anti-plastic bag campaigner Gwen Giudici says the Boomerang Bags are a vital part of her arsenal. Picture: supplied
GUITARIST Matthew Fagan (10-string and six-string guitar) and Prague violinist Romana Geermans will perform in the Gypsy Fire 20th anniversary concert, 2.30 for 3pm, Sunday 30 July, at St Johns Flinders. Tickets are $30 adult, $25 concession, $15 child under16 and $50 family of two adults and two children. St John’s is at 23 King St, Flinders. Bookings: 0438 881 985 or trybooking.com/QUGB. Door sales subject to availability.
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Callin n g for expre e ssion n s of i nt n ere e st in Round d 3 off the e
STRONGER COMMUNITIES PROGRAMME Grants of between $2,500 and $20,000 are available through Round Three of the Turnbull Government’s Stronger Communities Programme. Grants are available to not-for-profit organisations or community groups for local projects across the electorate, covering 50 per cent of the project cost. I encourage local groups to contact my office on 5979 3188 or complete an initial project proposal form through my website www.greghunt.com.au Initial project proposal forms must be fully submitted to my office by July 28. For more information on the program, visit www.infrastructure.gov.au/SCP
Federal Member for Flinders Authorised by Greg Hunt MP, Shop 4, 184 Salmon St, Hastings VIC 3915.
Shop 4, 184 Salmon Street, Hastings VIC 3915 5979 3188 Greg.Hunt.MP@aph.gov.au greghunt.com.au Greg.Hunt.MP
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Store Locations Springvale Dandenong Noble Park
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NOW OPEN PAGE 6
Southern Peninsula News 11 July 2017
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GREG HUNT MP