Community group helps families save money on clothes and cut waste

A COMMUNITY-LED  initiative helping families while tackling textile waste has been recognised with funding support from Ballina Shire Council.

Little Village Clothes Swap has received a Resource Recovery Community Grant after being acknowledged for its impact in reducing clothing waste and supporting local families.

The council program backs projects that minimise waste and keep valuable materials in circulation, delivering practical environmental outcomes driven by the community.

The need for such initiatives is significant. Nationally, about 6,000 kilograms of clothing is sent to landfill every 10 minutes, while textiles make up around eight per cent of the average kerbside landfill bin in the Ballina area.

Since launching last year, the Little Village Clothes Swap has attracted around 300 participants and diverted an estimated 10 tonnes of children’s clothing from landfill.

The group runs free monthly clothing swaps for infants and children at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre, providing families with access to quality clothing while encouraging reuse.

Founder Bridget Colussa said the initiative was about more than just reducing waste.

“Our aim is to reduce textile waste while supporting families and creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect,” she said.

The group is supported by a dedicated volunteer team and also promotes a circular economy through hands-on workshops focused on repairing, repurposing and upcycling clothing.

Council resource recovery education officer Justine Rowe said the grant program aimed to empower community-driven solutions.

“If you’ve got an idea of how to minimise waste or improve resource recovery locally, we’d love to hear from you,” she said.

“Some of the most meaningful change comes from grassroots ideas that respond directly to community needs.”

The Resource Recovery Community Grant program is open to individuals and community groups whose projects align with council objectives.

Applications can be submitted at ballina.nsw.gov.au/ResourceRecoveryGrant