Star Swamp comes alive with the Groat Street Sustainability Festival.

The Stirling resident said her focus was on creating community events that drew on her travels around the world as a performer.

“All my events have a similar structure – to entertain while we’re having fun and learning something,” Cara said.

“I have been a local resident in the City of Stirling all my life and thought it would be great to have a sustainability fair in the area.”

Cara pioneered the Groat Street Sustainability Festival last year, which attracted 3000 people, and said the location was perfect for the festival.

“There’s a school, community garden, environmental centre, a church and Star Swamp Reserve,” she said.

“I worked with local community groups and individuals and collaborated with the City of Stirling to make the event happen.”

This year, the Groat Street Festival will coincide with the annual Garage Sale Trail.

“We have a slightly different version of a regular garage sale,” Cara said.

“Instead of a shop we open a big swap shop where we invite the community to bring along clothes, children’s toys, books and plants. You don’t need money to participate so anyone can join in.”

Cara said the October 24 event would include DIY workshops, entertainment, art installations and children’s activities.

“This is an inclusive event where we work on accessibility, a safe and fun family environment and a celebration of the cultural diversity of the local area,” she said.

For details visit http://|groatstreetfestival.weebly.com.