A NEW venture in town is filling an ecological niche in a most unusual way.
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Not only is the Ocean Green (Gaagal Girrin) Eco Store a treasure trove of clothes, manchester, toys, books and more, sourced from companies with a social consciousness, but all profits from the business go straight back into caring for the land at Gumma and the Three Islands.
Nambucca Aboriginal Land Council’s CEO Louise Robinson said the idea of the not-for-profit venture emerged when members of the Local Aboriginal Land Council were discussing how best to invest their funds.
“The board and members of the Nambucca Aboriginal Land Council were clear they wanted to make this investment for everybody’s grandchildren, for this community now and into perpetuity,” Louise said.
With the direction set, Louise and her staff set about sourcing an astonishing range of products: everything from natural soaps made by the Yolgnu women of the Rorruwuy community in Arnhemland using medicinal herbs, clays and barks that have been part of their traditional knowledge for thousands of years to towels coloured using natural yam dyes, clothes designed and made locally, hemp socks and underwear and recycled cups and bowls cleverly used as containers for shaving and dishwashing soaps.
There are even stainless steel baby bottles that become mugs for the toddler, water bottles made from plant fibres and organic sanitary products for women.
In fact it is hard to think of any area of daily life that does not have its needs met here ... plus there is the feel-good factor that all the manufacturers themselves are attached to causes such as homeless youth, abandoned animals and Sea Shepherd.
Adding to this vibrancy is the new Indigenous art gallery housed next door, giving local Indigenous artists their own outlet in the shire.
For artist and Land Council board member Francine Edwards, it’s both a wonderful opportunity and a huge relief.
“This is an opportunity to showcase my work locally, which is a real joy,” Francine said.
“Previously I have had to deal with art dealers all over NSW - having a local outlet gives me much more control plus the added advantage that a percentage of anything I sell goes back into my own community.”
Elder Uncle Robert Edwards said for him the idea of Ocean Green was an opportunity to do something positive for the entire community.
“We have a chance to do something now, and we are!” Uncle Robert said.
Situated opposite the round-about at Newville, Ocean Green will have a grand opening tomorrow from 10am and everyone is invited.
“This shop is a place for everyone in our community - we want everyone to feel welcome here,” Louise said.
Ocean Green is open Monday to Friday from 9am to 4.30pm.