#GreatNewsThursday – Join Council’s free cloth nappy workshops for Plastic Free July

8 Jun 2023

Strathbogie Shire Council is encouraging community members to attend its free Cloth Nappy workshops this Plastic Free July.

Strathbogie Shire Council Mayor Cr Laura Binks pointed out every baby would go through at least 6,500 nappy changes, enough disposable waste to fill 19 wheelie bins.

“Buying disposable nappies until a child is toilet trained will cost parents up to $3,000 whereas a new set of modern cloth nappies will cost around $800,” Cr Binks said.

“If cloth nappies are used on just 25 babies from birth to toilet training, this will save 171,000 disposable nappies entering landfill, the equivalent of 475 wheelie bins full of waste and will prevent 147.12 tonnes of CO2 emissions.”

Cr Binks said the free workshops would be hosted by Emma Avery to get parents familiar with modern cloth nappies and to give them the knowledge needed to choose and use reusable baby nappies successfully.

“By the end of the workshop, participants will be able to understand the different types and styles of which can be applied to any brand of modern cloth nappies on the Australian market,” she said.

“Parents will also know the correct process for laundering modern cloth nappies at home and be able to troubleshoot problems such as leaks and correct fit.”

Cr Binks said local parents who had not already taken up the opportunity could access Council’s one-off cloth nappy rebate.

“We have conducted two six-month trials of the Cloth Nappy Rebate Program and we’re excited to announce that the program will now be ongoing,” Cr Binks said.

“We’re offering a maximum of $150, or 50 per cent off the purchase price, to Shire residents to purchase cloth and swim nappies, reusable liners for nappies, reusable wipes, wet bags and reusable nursing breast pads.

“It’s a fantastic way to get on board with cloth nappies. As we know, based on studies, if washed correctly, cloth nappies can also generate less energy and water usage as well as significantly reducing around 20 times less waste going to landfill.

“All residents need to do is to provide proof of address via a recent rates notice, utility bill, lease agreement or similar as well as the receipt of purchase which includes the company, date purchased, and the cost and name of items.

“If you need any further assistance, don’t hesitate to contact Council.”

There are two cloth nappy workshops coming up in July:

Please note there are 25 places for each workshop so be sure to book in to secure your spot. Babies and children aren’t counted in numbers so you don’t need to book them in.

For more information about Council’s Cloth Nappy Rebate Program, visit https://www.strathbogie.vic.gov.au/2022/05/06/introducing-councils-cloth-nappy-reimbursement-program/