Council’s sustainable arts and recycling pilot project, ‘Made in Auburn’ promotes the creative reuse of materials and encourages local residents to utilise items which otherwise may be thrown away.
This enterprising project offered residents the opportunity to learn how to make products from common household items, market and sell their products and see for themselves the benefits of recycling.
People from Asia and Africa, many of whom already have a long tradition of recycling materials for practical purposes, were able to use traditional craft skills learned in their homelands and apply it in an Australian context.
Participants from the local area with an interest in arts and handicrafts attended workshops where they learnt how to transform household items such as aluminium cans, paper, plastic bags, glass and computer parts to design and create their own unique handmade products.
Jewellery, baskets, bags and toys and artwork are just some of the items that were created. Workshops also covered skills to market and sell their products to local or specialist stores in Sydney. Insight into potential small business opportunities was gained through site visits to the ‘Make a Difference’ Sustainable Arts and Design Centre, Newington Armoury, Visy recycling plant and Reverse Garbage.
The workshops were free and expert advice and practical support was provided by workshop facilitator, well known and exhibited artist, Fida Haq.
