Kyneton Transition Hub Open Edible Garden Day is on Sunday 3 September 2016 (one day only) between 10 am and 4 pm at various times.

Boomerang bags have launched in Kyneton. They are available in Watt's Fresh, Aesop's Attic, Alter Your Health, Squishy Minnie and also Moto Bean in Malmsbury. They've been spotted being used around town so we're happy to know each one is replacing many single-use plastic bags.

This is a great opportunity to thank the many supporters in our community. Kyneton Transition Hub partnered with Kyneton Community and Learning Centre (KCLC) for this project and they have provided a sewing bee venue, storage and lots of other help.

Unwanted materials such as curtains, sheets, doona covers and pieces of fabric are all donated from opportunity shops and individuals. The Uniting Church Op Shop and Kyneton Caring Community have been especially helpful.

Sewing bees are held at BUPA and Ray M Begg Aged Care and both have provided great spaces for our use. The sewing ladies at BUPA have done heaps of sewing for us, with bags of bags ready to pick up each month when we visit.

Kyneton Men's Shed built and installed the special rack at Watt's Fresh, and the Kyneton CWA Twilighters generously covered their costs.

We have had visitors from Windarring and Our Lady of the Rosary Primary School at our sewing bees. The local playgroup has hosted printing sessions with parents and kids all involved in printing our logos. We're currently talking to Kyneton Primary School, Kyneton Secondary College and Lady Brooks Kindergarten as they are all interested in getting involved too.

Watch out for us in the Kyneton Daffodil & Arts Festival Parade on Sunday 10th September. 

Of course, the project is an ongoing one and although we have a bunch of dedicated volunteers we're always looking for new ones. You don't need to be able to sew to get involved as there are lots of other jobs. And we've had a few people join so we can help them learn to sew. The "sewing" bees will continue and all comers are welcome. This includes all ages and all abilities.

We also have volunteers who collect kits of bags already cut out and do their sewing at home. You can collect kits from Kyneton Community & Learning Centre or the produce swap at the farmers' market.

Upcoming sewing bees:
Thursday 17^th August – 10 to 12 noon – RM Begg (every third Thursday of the month)
Sunday 20^th August – 1 to 4 pm – KCLC (every 3rd Sunday)
Wednesday 30^th August – 10 am to 3 pm – KCLC (every last Wednesday)
Thursday 14^th September – 1 to 3 pm – BUPA (every second Thursday)

If these days don’t suit please contact the group as sewing bees will be scheduled to suit everyone and further partnerships with schools and other community groups will be welcome.

If you would prefer to help behind the scenes contact us about joining our steering group which meets only as required. This group has a number of roles: encouraging others; liaising with local schools, community groups, shops and businesses; organising fabric donations; promoting this initiative.

For more information find us on Facebook, email Kynetonboomerangbags@gmail.com or call KCLC on 5422 3433.

With our current wintry weather we don't expect to see as many good swaps at the market but we're usually surprised about how much produce comes to light at this time of year. Come along and see what others have and enjoy a chat about gardening or other sustainable issues.

To get involved in the produce swap bring your produce along on the second Saturday of the month to the Kyneton Farmers’ Market or just drop in for a chat about what's going on around Kyneton and especially in our gardens. Don't forget we're happy to swap fruit, vegies, herbs, preserves, eggs, seedlings and even egg cartons.

And this month we'll have boomerang bags on hand for the first time. So come and find out more about them, grab one to do your shopping, purchase a limited edition "bought to support" bag to help us continue, or find out how you can get involved at our sewing bees or by sewing at home.

Most locals have ideas about what they'd like to see done with the "old" primary school when it's vacated early next year. To help capture those ideas, the Kyneton Town Square Reference Group was formed. It is jointly supported by the Forum for Democratic Renewal and Kyneton Transition Hub, but has had input from many other community groups and individuals.