Ballina Shire Council has awarded Little Village Clothes Swap the first Resource Recovery Community Grant under its Donations – Community Resource Recovery Initiatives Policy, recognising the initiative’s impact in reducing textile waste and supporting local families.
The grant program supports projects that minimise waste and keep materials in circulation, delivering practical, community-led environmental outcomes.
Little Village Clothes Swap is a free monthly event for infants’ and children’s clothing at the Lennox Head Cultural Centre.
Founded by Bridget Colussa and run by volunteers, the initiative has grown rapidly since launching in June 2025. Eight events have attracted about 300 participants and diverted an estimated 10 tonnes of children’s clothing from landfill.
“Our aim is to reduce textile waste while supporting families and creating meaningful opportunities for people to connect,” Colussa said.
The initiative also promotes a circular economy through workshops on repairing, repurposing and upcycling. The next swap will be held on 17 April 2026, alongside an upcycling workshop to help participants extend the life of children’s garments.
Applications for the Resource Recovery Community Grant program are open year-round. Individuals, community groups and organisations can apply with projects that align with Council’s objectives, including reducing waste to landfill and improving community waste practices.
“If you’ve got an idea of how to minimise waste or improve resource recovery locally, we’d love to hear from you,” Council Resource Recovery Education Officer Justine Rowe said.
Some of the most meaningful change comes from grassroots ideas that respond directly to community needs.”
Grants of up to $50,000 are available. Applications can be submitted online at ballina.nsw.gov.au/ResourceRecoveryGrant.
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