Applicant: The Full Circle Collective
Fund: Community Support Fund 2024/25 - Round 1
Funding: $1,250
Conscious Christmas in Dorrigo was a series of interactive workshops designed to promote textile and waste upcycling, environmental awareness, and community engagement. Skilled facilitators guided participants in creating unique Christmas ornaments and decorations using unwanted textiles and other materials sourced from local op shops. These workshops aimed to divert waste from landfills while fostering sustainable practices.
Two workshops were held at Dorrigo Preschool on the 26th and 28th of November, engaging approximately 15 children per session, along with 5 educators. These sessions introduced young participants to simple, hands-on crafts tailored to their abilities, while incorporating foundational environmental concepts.
A final community workshop was held at the Made in Dorrigo Night Markets on the 14th of December. This workshop welcomed participants of all ages and abilities and engaged 16 adults and 31 children in Christmas ornament making activities of varying complexity. The workshop provided an opportunity for creative expression while reinforcing the importance of textile waste reduction and the circular economy.
The outcomes of the project included skills development in textile upcycling and crafting; increased awareness of environmental issues, strengthened community bonds and collaboration and promotion of local op shops and circular economy principles.
"We had The Full Circle Collective visit our preschool to hold a series of upcycled Christmas ornament making workshops in term 4. The children love the sessions! They enjoyed making Christmas decorations and talking with Siobhan about using things that people don't need any more to make new things. Would love to make this an annual project!" Director, Dorrigo Preschool