Rooty Hill High School captain Patricia Kumar has led a push for her council to become a Fair Trade accredited council and recently got the support of federal Chifley MP Roger Price.

Her dream came a step closer last Wednesday night when Blacktown councillors passed a motion that a report be provided to the council in relation to becoming a Fair Trade council.

The council will also write to Mr Price and his colleagues for information about the status of the Federal Government being a participant of the Fair Trade scheme.

Fair Trade is an international movement focused on delivering improved outcomes for farmers in developing nations.

It's an alternative to conventional trade practices in that it allows consumers to make ethical and sustainable purchasing decisions by protecting the rights of workers and promoting sustainable production practices.

If accredited, the council will use and stock products exported from developing countries such as coffee, cocoa, sugar, tea, honey and chocolate.

``I want council to show how serious it is about social justice,'' Patricia, 17, said.

``It will demonstrate the council's ability to be innovative and take action against grave social injustices. It will show that it's a council that cares.''

Manly became the first council in NSW and the second in Australia to become Fair Trade accredited in 2006.

Warringah and Leichhardt councils have also since followed in Manly's footsteps.

Patricia believes Fair Trade accreditation will bring benefits to the community.

``It will encourage a stronger sense of community and attract businesses to the area,'' she said.

A passionate advocate for social justice, she also volunteers for Vision Generation a World Vision movement that empowers young people to take action on global poverty.

Patricia urged the community to do their bit by buying Fair Trade products.

Visit www.fta.org.au/locator for a list of outlets selling Fair Trade products.