The much-maligned Yarra river is the lifeblood of the city of Melbourne, not that its brown hue gives it that appearance. But this Friday, the river terrace at Federation Square will be a fantastic riot of vital colour as it is lined in rugs – all as part of an attempt to set the world record for the longest run of hand-woven recycled rugs in one area. The rugs are created by mothers in Cambodia as part of Carpets for Communities, a group which ensures work for the women and, in turn, food and security for their children who would otherwise be forced to turn to work on the streets. Families who started creating rugs with the group in its seven years of operation have gone on to set up their own businesses and their own private source of income and pride. This is one magic carpet ride that has meant much, much more than a fairytale for many Cambodian families.

The hand-woven rugs will be at the River Terrace on Fed Square from 10.30am to midday on Friday 26th October and the products will all be sold at the Fair@Square fair trade festival in Fed Square on 1st and 2nd December, with profits going back to help Cambodian families.