Cumberland banner campaign turns waste into opportunity

A community-driven campaign has given a second life to more than 1050 kilograms of retired street flag banners – almost the weight of a small car.

Instead of disposing of outdated or surplus materials in landfill, Cumberland City Council redirected them to local community groups, schools, and organisations who repurposed the materials into reusable bags, community artworks, and other practical items.

School holiday art and craft programs transformed old banners into colourful kites, students at local schools created library tote bags, community gardens created custom-made enviro bags and aprons, and local organisations incorporated the materials into various projects and community programs.

Cumberland Mayor Ola Hamed believes initiatives like the Banners to Bags campaign highlight the powerful role creativity plays in driving meaningful environmental change.

“It’s the collective effort of our community that truly drives change. By giving discarded materials a second life, we are not only reducing waste but also inspiring a culture of resourcefulness within our community,” said Hamed.

“Every reused banner, repurposed item, and effort to reduce waste helps create a ripple effect that inspires others to take action. Sustainability is a shared responsibility, and by working together, we can continue to enhance a culture of recycling and create a cleaner, greener environment for the future of Cumberland.”

Plastic Free July highlights the power of small, everyday actions in reducing waste and protecting the environment, whether it’s reusing materials or avoiding single-use plastics.

In the spirit of this global movement, and to celebrate the start of the school holidays, Cumberland Council will also be hosting a free, family-friendly film screening of Happy Feet at the Granville Centre on Saturday 5 July, from 10am to 1pm.

The event will feature interactive stalls and hands-on activities designed to educate and inspire families to embrace plastic-free living, reinforcing the shared responsibility the community has in building a more sustainable future.

For more information, visit: www.cumberland.nsw.gov.au