The Big Toy Swap with dirtgirl & Costa the Garden Gnome

Looking for a fun and sustainable school holiday outing?

Join us at Fed Square for The Big Toy Swap with dirtgirl & Costa The Garden Gnome– a free day of fun where families can refresh their toy boxes and kids can enjoy interactive stage shows with dirtgirl and Costa the Garden Gnome, inspiring them to connect with nature and protect the planet.

How it works

Bring up to six clean, gently-used toys, books, or games your child no longer plays with. For each item you bring, you’ll receive a token to choose a different pre-loved treasure during the event.

While we can’t guarantee you’ll take home the same number or value of toys you bring, there will be plenty of variety for children of all ages – and every toy gets a new chance to be loved.

Everyone’s invited!

You don’t need to bring toys to be part of the fun – come enjoy dirtgirl & Costa the Garden Gnome’s free shows and celebrate nature with us.

Schedule

Ages 8–14

11:00am – Check-in and toy drop-off opens
11:30am – Eco Action with dirtgirl & Costa the Garden Gnome (interactive session)
12:00pm – Toy choosing time

Ages under 8

1:00pm – Check-in and toy drop-off opens
1:30pm – Nature Voices with Dirtgirl & Costa the Garden Gnome (interactive session)
2:00pm – Toy choosing time

Nature Voices with dirtgirl & Costa the Garden Gnome

dirtgirl & Costa the Garden Gnome are calling all young nature champions to gather round.

It’s time to stand up for nature. In this playful and engaging session, kids will discover their connection to the natural world while learning how our choices – from waste to pollution – impact the creatures and wild spaces we love.

Children will have the chance to speak up for nature, lending their voices to the animals, plants, and places that can’t speak for themselves. Parents and guardians are invited to watch as these passionate young humans share their love for the planet.

Together, let’s make some joyful noise for nature!

Recommended for children under 8 (accompanied by an adult).

Eco Action with dirtgirl & Costa the Garden Gnome

For older kids ready to take their love for the planet further, Eco Action is a dynamic, hands-on session designed for ages 8–14.

With dirtgirl & Costa the Garden Gnome leading the way, participants will explore the challenges facing our Earth – from waste and pollution to threatened creatures and ecosystems – and discover how even small actions can make a big difference. Through teamwork and creativity, kids will spark ideas that can inspire real change in their schools, homes, and communities.

This isn’t a sit-and-listen session – it’s an interactive experience where kids leave feeling empowered as eco-leaders, ready to make a difference.

Recommended for ages 8–14 (accompanied by an adult).

Any toys left at the end of the day will be donated to local charities, so every item has the chance to be loved again.

The Big Toy Swap with dirtgirl & Costa the Garden Gnome is proudly presented by Zero Waste Victoria as part of the RESET series at Fed Square, running alongside the Zero Waste Festival. Together, we’re helping families keep toys out of landfill – and in the hands of happy kids.