Thread Together is a pioneering Australian charity founded in 2012, committed to reducing clothing waste and providing essential clothing to people in need. Their mission is twofold: to address the environmental impact of clothing waste and to restore dignity to Australians facing hardship. Working with over 2,000 fashion brands and retailers, Thread Together redirects new, unsold clothing destined for landfill.

It turns out the best way to manage excess fashion is to give it to people who need it, of which there is no shortage. Thread Together is seeing a huge increase – one in eight Australians are currently experiencing vulnerability.

Thread Together provides these individuals with new clothes supplied directly from clothing manufacturer’s unsold stock, which can be accessed through registered charities. The service saves more than two million items from landfill each year and clothes more than 130,000 people annually, restoring dignity to many Australians experiencing hardship.

These clothes are distributed through an innovative model predicated on collaboration that includes:

• an online service
• a fleet of vehicles fitted with walk in wardrobes (mobile wardrobes)
• an authentic shopping experience (known as clothing hubs)
• a wardrobe and capsule service in women’s shelters

Their services particularly support individuals experiencing poverty, homelessness, those affected by domestic violence or natural disasters. “When someone is experiencing hardship and they receive a pair of jeans with a new tag on them, it makes them feel like they are deserving. That sense of empowerment is something that we remind ourselves each day.“, says Marla Bozic who looks after Partnerships and Engagement at Thread Together.

Thread Together's approach is not just about providing clothing but also about empowering people and fostering social inclusion. The operation is largely powered by a vast network of volunteers, emphasising efficiency and community involvement. This holistic approach has positioned Thread Together as a key player in both environmental sustainability and social welfare.

In Greater Geelong, the need for Thread Together's project is acute due to increasing socio-economic challenges and inflationary pressures. These factors are pushing vulnerable members of the community into financial difficulty, affecting their ability to afford basic essentials like clothing. The rising cost of living not only strains household budgets, but also erodes the dignity and self-esteem of individuals and families who can no longer meet basic needs.

In these low socio-economic areas, the lack of access to new, quality clothing is a barrier to social inclusion and participation. Proper attire is often required for job interviews, school activities, and community events, making clothing more than just a physical necessity; it's a gateway to opportunities and an enabler of social mobility.

Thread Together is looking to have a greater impact in the Geelong community. The more local charities that are aware of this service and how it works will ensure that Thread Together can provide new, quality clothing to those in need, fostering dignity and social inclusion.

Additional funding will support local agency onboarding and operational expansion, bringing tangible change in community resilience and individual empowerment in the Greater Geelong area.

The Alfred Gersham Johnston and Ivy Doreen Johnston Perpetual Trust, which is managed by Equity Trustees, currently provides funding for Thread Together’s Geelong service.