A VOLUNTEER group that sews reusable bags for Border retailers needs a new home.
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Boomerang Bags - Albury Wodonga & Surrounds was based at The Sustainable Activity Centre (The SAC) in Wodonga until January when structural damage temporarily closed the building.
Boomerang Bags - Albury Wodonga spokeswoman Andrea Palmer said the group needed a room in Albury or Wodonga that could accommodate their needs.
She said a search had so far proved fruitless because of their requirements.
"We need a room that can accommodate 10 to 12 people and a minimum of four sewing machines or overlockers," she said.
"We also need the equivalent of four or five cubic metres to store fabric and lockable storage for sewing machines and overlockers."
Ms Palmer said the community group had 35 volunteers in total, drawing six to 10 to sewing bees run twice a week.
She said the group had been meeting at the homes of two volunteers.
"Two volunteers have been alternating to have it at their homes," Ms Palmer said.
"But it means we have to transport the equipment around; it's very heavy for our members to lug around."
With 12,000 Boomerang Bags made by the Border group since its inception in late 2017, Ms Palmer said demand continued to climb.
She said the group now supplied bags to East Albury IGA, Almar Organics and Border Just Foods in South Albury and only recently added Arnold's in Wodonga and The Essential Ingredient in Albury.
"With two new venues coming on board, that has increased demand for the bags," she said.
Ms Palmer said volunteers were welcome to sew the bags in their own homes.
However, she said the community connection was one of the strengths of the volunteer group.
"In the pockets of the bag kits, we include a flyer that offers all instructions and friendship," Ms Palmer said.
Boomerang Bags can be borrowed and returned to shops as an alternative to plastic bags.
Single-use, lightweight plastic bags have been banned in all states and territories in Australia excluding NSW.
Boomerang Bags Albury Wodonga sewing bees run from 10am to 1pm on Wednesdays and Fridays.
Volunteers can also pick up Boomerang Bag kits to sew at home.
Fabric donations are also welcome.
Anyone with suitable space for the group can phone Andrea on 0409 205 230 or visit the Facebook page Boomerang Bags - Albury Wodonga & Surrounds.
