11 C
Byron Shire
June 4, 2026

Turning waste into wonder one stitch at a time

Latest News

TweedCAN makes it easy for locals to make a difference on climate change

TweedCAN members Sally Evans, Conal Hanna, Isabela Keski-Frantti and Gerard Bisshop Do you believe in climate action, but struggle to...

Other News

Tyagarah Road, Myocum, closes Thursday

Essential Energy say contractors will carry out vegetation management around the electricity network in parts of Myocum on Thursday, 4 June.

Greens from The Farm are flourshing

At the heart of a thriving market garden is timing, soil health, and a deep connection to the seasons...

Rail trail funding 1

The Echo reports ‘fury’ over the federal government’s failure to fund the rail trail. I recall fury when government...

Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

Fire destroys Mullumbimby family home

A Gofundme campaign has been set up to help a family who lost everything in a house fire last week. Frea Bandini-Alefosio writes, 'We are neighbours and friends of Jeff and Alma Jackson, long time Mullumbimby locals, we are setting up this fundraiser to help support them after a devastating house fire'.

Tweed Council offer community grants

A new round of Tweed Shire Council community grants of up to $5,000 will open to not-for-profit groups across the Tweed from Monday 1 June.

Deidi Vine, Crissy Klemens, Jenny Bannister, Felicity Durham and Maia Willow. Photo supplied.

The Sewing Circle Collective has been launched at the Re-market Tip Shop in Myocum where community members can not only reduce textile waste but also revive the age-old art of sewing as a modern, sustainable practice.

Sparked by the responses to a story in The Echo months ago, Deidi Vine has attracted a collective of talented local trash fashionistas who are working together in an inspiring move to transform discarded fabrics into treasures and strengthen community bonds.

More than just sewing

‘The Sewing Circle Collective is more than just sewing,’ says Deidi. ‘It’s about connection, sustainability, and empowerment. Every stitch tells a story of giving new life to what others have thrown away – and creating something beautiful in the process.’

The sewing circle has been joined by the legendary Jenny Bannister who has been fashioning junk into runway fashion for decades, and Chrissy Klemens has been an inspiration to many at Global Ripple with her innovative upcycled fashions for years.

Strengthening intergenerational community bonds, are Maia Willow and Felicity Durham who have brought their fresh energy and passion to the group with their wonderful work in bringing colour and life into aged-care facilities with popup shops, and recycling vintage clothing which would otherwise be going into landfill.

Everyone is welcome

The collective welcomes people of all ages and skill levels, offering a friendly, supportive environment to learn practical sewing skills, upcycle fabrics, and design unique pieces.

Participants are encouraged to bring their own ideas and creativity, with guidance provided for beginners and seasoned makers alike.

The Remarket at the Tip Shop holds free sewing sessions on Mondays and Fridays from 11am till 2pm.



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Ballina Council wrap

With local government meeting practice across the state returning to confusion following the NSW Legislative Council's recent decision, Ballina Shire Council's last meeting included a lot of unanimous decisions and an argument about the remnants of the Big Scrub, in which Mayor Cadwallader used her casting vote to squash Cr Simon Chate's motion.

Conversations in the Pub starts with Janelle Saffin

Conversations in the Pub – Lismore’s new civic meet-up – kicks off on Friday 19 June with its inaugural special guest, the NSW Minister for Small Business, Minister for Recovery, Minister for the North Coast and Member for Lismore Janelle Saffin MP.

Bungawalbin Levee repair to improve flood resilience

A critical section of Bungawalbin Levee is proposed to be partially relocated to build its long-term resilience, benefitting the community, environment and agricultural industries in the Richmond Valley.

Aussie MPs celebrate World Bicycle Day

The leaders of the Parliamentary Friends of Cycling have joined in front of Parliament House in Canberra to celebrate the United Nations’ World Bicycle Day.