We are the Blue Mountains local action group of Parents for Climate—Australia’s largest parent-driven climate network—committed to climate justice for children, young people, families and future generations. Since November 2022, we’ve hosted quarterly kids’ clothes and toy swaps, redistributing 200–250 kg of clothing and 50–100 kg of toys each time, alongside free cloth nappy support and advice to families—reducing waste, easing cost-of-living pressures, and modelling sustainable practices across generations. We are on a mission to make reusing kids’ clothes and toy items the norm!
In July 2024, we were honoured with a Binfluencer Award from Blue Mountains City Council for excellence in waste avoidance and community leadership. Our swap is also a key case study in the Council’s Community Towards Net Zero Plan (2024-2033). Our highly attended swaps act as an accessible entry point for families into parent-led climate action. Through inclusive, practical, intergenerational events, we are transforming parental anxiety into meaningful climate action—for the wellbeing of children now and into the future.
How to Get Involved
We run our Kids’ Clothes and Toy Swaps each season at Katoomba Lighthouse, 126 Victoria St, North Katoomba. In 2026, our swaps will be held on:
- Autumn – 7th March 2026
- Winter – 6th June 2026
- Spring – 12th September 2026
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Summer/Christmas – 5th December 2026
To stay in the loop, join our mailing list and follow us on [Facebook] and [Instagram] for updates and swap day reminders.
What to Bring
Bring along up to 10 good-quality, pre-loved items of children's clothing, and up to 10 good-quality toys, and or books. We also welcome donations in advance, particularly clothing in sizes 2 and up.
Don’t have anything to swap? No worries. Please come along, we always have more items than families need. We especially want new and expectant parents to join us, start your low waste parenting journeys early. All are welcome!
On the day, you’ll also find:
- Free cloth nappies and friendly advice from experienced users
- Maternity and postpartum wear available at the swap — feel free to bring any of your own to share too
- Refreshments - child friendly treats, plant based milks available
- Children’s play area and fun activities!
Why Swapping Matters
The fast fashion and fast toy industries are major contributors to environmental harm, fuelling overconsumption, waste, and carbon emissions. Swapping offers a simple yet powerful alternative. It’s more than a feel-good gesture—it’s a practical act of climate-conscious parenting. Every item exchanged is one less manufactured, one less sent to landfill, one less item bought, and one more chance to model sustainable, community-minded choices. By extending the life of clothes, toys, and baby gear, we reduce emissions, cut down on waste, and ease financial pressures on families. It all adds up—and it makes a real difference. Just as importantly, we’re teaching our children to be more thoughtful about what they consume and to resist the constant pressure to buy, buy, buy!
Thanks to Our Partners and Supporters
We’re grateful to Katoomba Lighthouse, the main venue for our swaps. With refreshments on hand and a beautiful children’s play area, our swap is more than a clothes exchange — it’s a welcoming family hangout where kids can play, parents can connect, and everyone can find some new-to-you treasures.
A big shout-out to all our incredible volunteers, whose dedication truly makes our swaps possible. In particular, Susan Robbins goes the extra mile—sorting and redistributing leftover items so they find loving new homes, ensuring as little as possible ends up in landfill. If you’d like to volunteer with us, please get in touch by email: [email protected]
Special thanks to Health Tree Fit-Nest and Bub Hub Blue Mountains Inc for providing toys, activities, and bubbles for the kids — they help make the play area magical. And special thanks to Community Care Kitchen who often provide donations to make sure our swaps have plenty of clothes and toys for our families.
And a big thank you to Blue Mountains City Council for supporting us with a community grant. This funding covers our running costs so we can keep the swaps free and accessible for all.
We acknowledge we run our swaps on unceded Dharug and Gundungurra lands. Sovereignty was never ceded and this always was and always will be Aboriginal land.