Reusable, washable and stylish face masks for the Macleay community

The Macleay Quilters meet each Tuesday at Kempsey Showground to further their passion of quilting in a social environment.

The idea began when a few ladies started quilting masks for themselves and family members, however when coordinator of Kempsey Showground, Lisa Powlesland, saw the masks she had the idea to expand the production for the community.

"We had been making them for ourselves and friends but then Lisa came to us and said it would be great if we could make more with the support of the showground," Vicki Gill from Macleay Quilters said.

The group held a working bee last week and made 76 masks in one day, all of which have been sold or donated.

"We did donate a few masks to the Kempsey Neighbourhood Centre for people who don't have access to masks and the rest have all been sold," Lisa said.

The ladies have been busy making the masks in their own time as well as when they meet at the showground once a week.

"I would say we are well over 100 masks now," Lisa said.

The masks are all reusable, washable and have three layers. They also come in two sizes and a range of different fabric designs and colours.

"They cost $5 whether they are a medium or a large size, so they're very affordable," Lisa said.

The masks are being sold at Kempsey Showground and will also be for sale at Coastline Credit Union in West Kempsey for the next two weeks.

"We've had a lot of people contact us who want to purchase some which is really great.

"The Macleay has been through enough and this is something we can do to help the community and that's what the showground is here for," Lisa said.

All the money from the sales will be donated to the Macleay Quilters Inc to fund production of the next batch of face masks, any extra money will be donated to the Kempsey Showground to go towards purchasing a defibrillator.