Yarn bombers weave joy and colour into Kyabram’s streets

Kyabram Yarn Bombing co-ordinator Trish Worsfold conceived the idea in mid-July 2020 when businesses were struggling and people felt disconnected from family and friends.

“I came up with the idea of doing yarn bombing in Kyabram, because it was the first year of COVID, and people were feeling disconnected from family and friends and the retail businesses were doing it tough,” Mrs Worsfold said.

“I think it was around mid July, I sort of decided that we needed to do something.”

Working within COVID-19 restrictions, Mrs Worsfold assembled the original group through phone calls and face-to-face conversations.

“I spoke to the police and they allowed 10 of us to get together face to face, but we had to be in an open place, so we actually took up residence in a shelter outside the Fauna Park,” she said.

“And so that was the original 10 who could meet face-to-face.”

The project expanded beyond the core group to include home-based contributors and partnerships with local organisations.

“I got onto Warramunda, the aged care facility, spoke with the CWA, spoke with the Red Hat ladies,” Mrs Worsfold said.

“And so groups were working independently and some working from home, because they were housebound anyway, not just because of the restrictions, but because of disabilities or just ageing.”

What began as a two-year project has continued due to its social benefits for participants.

“Many elderly people found that they were contributing to the community and were feeling valued,” Mrs Worsfold said.

“Some people have said that people they were reasonably friendly with, they have come to know on a deeper level through this group, so that is gratifying.”

The group meets fortnightly, increasing to weekly sessions in September, with the original 10 also gathering every Tuesday.

Their decorative work comes into its own for Christmas with a handcrafted tree display and covering all 60 bollards at the fountain intersection and light poles throughout Kyabram's main street.

“If you know the main street of Kyabram, the tree-scape is a bit sparse, so after the first year, I decided that we needed more colour in the street,” Mrs Worsfold said.

The group also maintains a free-standing display of handmade trees in the arcade, adding new pieces annually.

A highlight of the yarn bombing is the fully crocheted murals hanging on the front of the Albion building.

The yarn bombers have incorporated charitable work into their activities.

Last year, they raised $1300 through sales of their handmade crafts at Boomerang Travel’s window display and at local markets, purchasing $50 meat vouchers from a local butcher for Christmas distribution.

“We gave those to the people who work on the ground, they know the people in genuine need and we found that both of them agreed that they had people who were too proud to ask for help,” Mrs Worsfold said.

The vouchers were distributed through the Salvation Army captain and school chaplain.

This year's charitable efforts continue despite missing the spring market, with residents of Warramunda's independent living unit contributing handmade rugs for fundraising.

The project receives support from Bendigo Bank, the Shire of Campaspe, the Kyabram Club, GMCU and the Kyabram Men's Shed.