Community spirit makes sustainable living festival a success

The countdown is on to the start of the inaugural Re:New Festival at The Waterfront, Shell Cove, and the community has pitched in to ensure the eight-day event is packed with tips about how to live a more sustainable life. 

The community’s fingerprints will be all over the festival, which runs June 29 to July 6 at various locations within The Waterfront Town Centre and nearby Bass Point, with locals hosting hands-on workshops, seminars and fun activities to promote the message ‘a different way’ to eat, dress, package and live.  

The Re:New Festival has been made possible with the support of major sponsors Frasers Property Australia and Shellharbour City Council, the joint developers of The Waterfront, Shell Cove, and local partners including Green Caffeen, Plastic Free Kiama, Oceans in Focus and Two Week Red Bin Challenge. 

Damien Clarke and Martin Brooks started Green Caffeen – an innovative swap-and-go scheme for reusable coffee cups – on the south coast last year after becoming concerned about the high volume of single-use coffee cups being used. 

Since then, 200 cafes across the country have taken up the scheme whereby customers hand in the reusable cups at partner cafes before they are washed and recirculated. The service is free to anyone who downloads the App. 

Damien says it is important to protect the Shellharbour Marina now being built at Shell Cove from the impacts of rubbish generated by single-use coffee cups. He’s thrilled that The Waterfront Town Centre retailers Bliss Ice Cream & Gelato and Naturally Tasty have partnered with Green Caffeen. 

Damien is also keen to support the Re:New Festival by taking part in the Beach Clean-up and Ocean Dive on Saturday, June 29, from 8am. 

The event, organised by Plastic Free Kiama and Wollongong Free Diver, will be followed by a free Kids’ Art Class at noon to show how everyday household items can be turned into art supplies. 

Another key event is the Planted Vegan Market on Sunday, June 30, from 9am showcasing the incredible flavours that come from plant-based and cruelty-free food. 

A Suitcase Rummage will be held from 9am that day to recycle clothing, homewares or collectables. Those wishing to secure a spot must register via email to maggie@kaokreative.com.au. The cost is $20. 

On Wednesday July 3, you can learn how to make your own toxin-free cleaning and beauty products at home at the Healthy Fixation workshop from 6pm. 

The final day of the festival on Saturday, July 6, will start at 10am with a Makers and Creators Market where small business operators can showcase their sustainable and eco-friendly products. 

A family-friendly performance by Junkyard Beats will start at 11am. Using household products as musical instruments, the group presents a high-energy show including body percussion, fire drumming, junk percussion, pyrotechnics and skits.  

Also on the Saturday, Re:New RUNWAY will kick off at 1pm. Co-hosted by Re:New Festival ambassador and model Laura Wells and Shell Cove's Michelle Taylor of Get Dressed Hire, the free event showcases sustainable trends in fashion and offers tips on how to lessen the impact on the environment. A Trashion show and a challenge to create a runway-ready outfit for less than $50 will round out the event.  

Other events include a Sustainable Beekeeping and Beeswax Wraps workshop at 3pm on Sunday, June 30; a Nature Play Workshop on Tuesday, July 2, from 10am; and a ‘Bin it to Win it’ recycling game on Saturday, July 6 from 12.30pm. 

Glenn Colquhoun, Development Director – Shell Cove, Frasers Property Australia says the Re:New Festival will show residents that a little bit of effort goes a long way towards protecting Shell Cove’s natural environment. 

“You can still drive a car, drink coffee, dine out and wear fashionable clothes while being sustainable. At the Re:New Festival you will meet people who will show you how you can make little changes to your daily life that will make a big difference to the world we live in,” says Mr Colquhoun. 

The Waterfront, Shell Cove is a masterplanned community in a natural coastal setting surrounded by beaches, parks and wetlands but close to schools, transport and major centres. 

A focal point will be the 270-berth boat harbour and Shellharbour Marina next to the lively town centre featuring a retail precinct anchored by a Woolworths supermarket, with specialty shops and restaurants on the marina’s edge. There will also be a waterfront tavern, hotel, children’s beach, water play areas, library and community centre.