BOWRAVILLE’S Pioneer Community Centre became a shining example of waste reduction and the circular economy on Saturday 24 and Sunday 25 May.
Due to ongoing wet weather the quarterly Macksville Car Boot Sale had to be cancelled, so the regular free distribution stall was moved to the indoor hall at 70 High Street.
“This created a wonderful opportunity for not only waste reduction and treasure finding but also community connecting,” said Bowraville Chamber of Commerce secretary Phillida Hartley.
“Throughout both days extraordinary loads of new, used and unneeded items got brought to the hall from as far away as Valla, and at least half of what arrived got selected and taken to new homes – and saved from landfill.”
“And all totally free: a great boon at this time of the cost-of-living-crisis.”
Ms Hartley told NOTA the community-owned and managed Pioneer building is “so important for Bowra-town”.
First built in 1915, it served as a general store, cafe and more before being donated for public use by the Grace family in the 1970s.
In the 80s the back of the building was extended to create a kitchen, small unit, office and storage spaces, and a network of rooms from which 2NVR Nambucca Valley Radio operated for many years.
At the front of the building is Aunt Emily’s craft shop; open to the public six times a week.
“This community co-operatively run space provides a wonderful array of locally made special products,” Ms Hartley said.
Other activities in the hall include a monthly indoor market with café, a weekly restorative craft group, yoga and a creative art workshop.
The hall is often used by community organisations for workshops or meetings and is available at low cost to groups with their own insurance.
