The first quarter of 2022 saw the launch of Kulungah Myah Earth Care Initiatives – an expansion of our sustainability mission.  By providing our locality with an accessible point of connection and exchange, KMCC aims to promote and advance social movements centred on protecting our environment, and embracing sustainability practices.     Some of our latest developments include:

UPPAREL

KMCC is now a drop-off point for local residents wishing to divert their poor condition textiles and clothing from their bins, and ultimately landfill.  We’ve acquired a bright purple bin in which clean clothing and linens which are not worthy of the op-shop can be deposited.   The textiles will be packed by us, and then collected by UPPAREL.  They will then be shredded and turned into recycled yarn, or textile filling for a range of products, including mattresses, pet beds and home insulation.    We know that City of Melville residents have been crying out for a local service like this.  We’re really pleased to have this up and running!

Community Garden 

The Community Centre recently installed 2 beautiful raised garden beds.   Whilst the garden frames and compost bin were donated by a Centre volunteer, Leah Adams, Waste Education Officer from Melville Council arranged a donation of organically derived FOGO (Food Organics and Garden Organics) soil.  A bench caddy was also provided for the collection of kitchen scraps.  Bunnings O’Connor donated gardening tools, watering cans, and vegetable, flower and herb seedlings.

Children from the Kardinya Home Education Cooperative initiated care and maintenance of the garden beds as part of their botany unit for science in Term 1.  The students (aged 5-10 years) really enjoyed the experiential learning involved in planting, watering and looking after the seedlings.   In addition, the beds became a focal point for an education session on waste management.  After a presentation on recycling, Leah led the students through engaging activities focused on sustainability themes.    We’re hoping that other groups and visitors alike will take joy in looking after the community garden too!

Highways and Byways Grant Success & Rethinking Organic Waste Workshop

In March, KMCC was successful in securing a grant from the Highways and Byways Small Grants Program managed by the Missionary Sisters of Service.   The theme for their grant program this year is ‘Healing the Land – Healing Ourselves – Together’.   They were impressed with our plan to engage well respected community educator, Peg Davies in the delivery of a workshop on “Rethinking Organic Waste”.   Set for Saturday, November 12th,  the 3 hour skills-based workshop is aimed at inspiring people to see their household waste as a useful resource.  It covers composting, worm farms and bokashi bins.  Afternoon tea is included.

Registration details to follow!