Better bags for boonah – competition and workshops. BOSS is running a bag making competition and associated workshops across the months of March, April, May and June. We are working together with Common Threads, the local Chapter of the Australian Sewing Guild, and Boonah SORT Recycling, as well as with support from Boonah Ritchies IGA. This is part of a campaign to reduce the number of single use plastic bags in our town, and get people to start considering options. The Queensland and New South Wales state Governments are currently looking at implementing a joint ban to follow in the footsteps of the four other Australian states and territories who have already ‘banned the bag’. Discussions are underway to consider how to reduce the fatal impact of plastic bags on marine life and the impact on the environment, and Dr Steven Miles, Queensland’s Environment Minister is pushing for a nationwide ban. We want to encourage people to bring their own bags shopping, and encourage business owners to offer alternatives. We invite people to participate by getting creative and making a bag for the Better Bags for Boonah competition.
The competition features three categories of bags and is free to enter. Two shopping bag categories feature, with one made from any fabric – the Better Boonah Bag – and the other created from recycled materials – the Regen-a-Bag. These bags are to be made to fit supermarket counters, and have specific dimensions, which are outlined in the conditions of entry. The third is a bag for personal use – the Create-a-Bag, where creativity is key. Some suggestions for this category include tote bags, man bags, handbags etc, with the design and decoration completely open to the imagination. Age is no barrier in entering with three age sections, being primary school, high school nd an open section. Judging will be conducted by local identities from the art, education and business community.
The shopping bag categories will be judged on their adherence to design specifications and practicality, with the added theme of creativity for the bag made from recycled materials. Judging will focus on originality and design for the personal use bag.
The competition is open to all residents of the Boonah region. Entries close on Monday July 4 (extended from May 6 due to delays with IGA refurbishment), with the winners announced at the grand opening of the refurbished Ritchies Boonah IGA store. Prizes include cash and local gift vouchers, and the winning entries will be on display for the public to see.
BAG Making Workshops
To support the competition, bag making workshops are being held during March and April. These will be with Hazel Heck at SORT Recycling, and with Common Threads at the Girl Guide Hut. Entry forms and conditions of entry are available online here and at the Boonah Library, Council Chambers, Boonah IGA, Common Threads and Boonah SORT Recycling.
Donations
To support this endeavour, we will very happily accept any donations of sturdy fabric from which to make bags. These could even be old curtaining or table cloths. These items can be dropped in Monday to Thursday to Boonah’s community recycling hub SORT Recycling at 9 Church Street, Boonah.
Competition Categories
Better Boonah Shopping Bag – a shopping bag to fit the supermarket counter
Regen-A-Bag– a shopping bag to fit the supermarket counter – using recycled fabric
Create-A-Bag – no design specifications
Sections
Primary School
High School
Open Section
Bagmaking Workshops
Saturday 5 March 12.30pm – 3pm enquiries and registrations
Saturday 12 March 12.30pm – 3pm ` to Hazel on 0407 734 053
and
Tuesday 1 March 9.30am – 12.30pm enquiries and registrations
Tuesday 5 April 9.30am – 12.30pm to Jacqui on 5463 5933
Tuesday 3 May 9.30am – 12.30pm
Fabric, sewing machines and notions provided, or participants are welcome to bring their own. Entry Forms available from Boonah Library, Council Chambers, Boonah IGA, Common Threads and Boonah SORT Recycling.For more information regarding the campaign and competition, contact Elizabeth on 5463 2408 or Julie on 0435 992 798 or send an email. The entry form can be downloaded here. Conditions of Entry:
Competition open to residents of the Boonah region
The Better Boonah Shopping Bag and the Regen-A-Bag must fit a supermarket counter and be according to the required dimensions
The Regen-A-Bag is to be made from recycled materials
The Create-A-Bag has no design specifications and can be for any purpose
Finished dimensions of the supermarket bags are 32cm high x 30cm wide x 20cm base x 20cm sides, with 52cm long x 3cm wide handles
Each entry must be the work of the entrant
Entrants give permission for their work to be reproduced for publicity purposes.
All prizes will be divided at the discretion of the judges
Entry forms and bags to be delivered to SORT Boonah, in the basement of 9 Church Street Boonah which is open 9am – 5pm Monday to Thursday