Media Release: Future of Fashion Week 2025 secured.

Sydney, Australia: Fashion Week will take place from 12-16 May 2025 at Carriageworks, Sydney, supported proudly by the NSW Government’s tourism and major events agency, Destination NSW. 

AFW founder Simon Lock is confirmed to play a crucial role, as part of the team who will deliver the 2025 event. 

Fashion Week 2025 will provide a significant opportunity for the Australian fashion industry to connect with international buyers and media, spotlight their collections and amplify their global presence. 

Minister for the Arts, Minister for Music and the Night-time Economy, and Minister for Jobs and Tourism John Graham said: “Fashion Week is an essential showcase of one of our largest creative industries, highlighting the depth of talent not only in NSW but throughout Australia. 

“The industry has come together swiftly, pulling together its great expertise, to ensure that Fashion Week can go ahead in 2025. The NSW Government is pleased to confirm its continued support of the event.” 

AFC Chair Marianne Perkovic said: “Thank you to the NSW Government and the entire fashion industry for their commitment and collaboration. The AFC looks forward to delivering a world-class experience in 2025 and evolving the event in the future. 

“Fashion Week 2025 will mark a crucial milestone in the journey towards a truly industry-led event for Australian fashion. Our consultation has reinforced that the AFC is best positioned to lead this transformation, much like its successful international counterparts. A further announcement will be made on other appointments soon” 

Lock and the AFC are working to assemble a team with extensive Fashion Week experience to guide the event’s delivery. The approach will ensure the event continues to benefit designers, buyers and the entire fashion ecosystem while driving long-term value for the industry. A further announcement will be made on further appointments soon. 

The event will rearm Australia’s role as a global fashion hub, fostering economic growth and innovation across the fashion and textiles sector. 

AFC CEO Jaana Quaintance-James said: “Fashion Week is not just an event; it’s a catalyst for growth, collaboration and the innovation of Australian fashion. 

“This NSW Government support is a testament to the trust placed in the AFC and our vision for an industry-led future. Joining with Destination NSW and drawing on the expertise of our industry partners, we can take meaningful steps towards making Fashion Week more impactful for designers, and the broader creative economy.” 

Carla Zampatti CEO Alex Schuman said: “Fashion Week is an essential platform for showcasing Australia’s creative talents. It puts our designers, photographers, models, stylists and influencers on a world stage. I’m confident the AFC will create export opportunities that extend far beyond the runway.” 

Get Involved 

The AFC invites anyone interested in being part of this transformative journey to express their interest by entering their details through the Expression of Interest (EOI) form here. 

-ends 

For further information contact: 

Prue-ellen Thomas 

Head of Marketing and Communications, AFC 

pthomas@ausfashioncouncil.com +61 439 882 788 

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ABOUT THE AUSTRALIAN FASHION COUNCIL: 

The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) is a not-for-profit and the peak body for the Australian fashion and textile industry, representing the sector for over 70 years. AFC members are Australian founded or majority owned businesses involved in producing fabric, clothing, footwear or accessories, including individuals that contribute creatively and economically to the Australian fashion and textile industry. The AFC champion and advocate for a prosperous and creative Australian fashion and textiles industry, with the purpose of building a vibrant, inclusive ecosystem for our member community through education, collaboration and innovation. 

Fashion Week Expression of Interest Form

AFC International Regulation in fashion Webinar

You are invited to our next Experts & Insights Webinar on International Regulation, supported by City of Sydney. 

Melinda Tually, Director of Ndless: The New Normal will lead discussion with international experts on international fashion regulation and a high level summary of key pieces of legislation coming out of the EU Green Deal and the US including:

Date: 4pm AEDT, Wednesday 4th December 2024
Platform: Online, via Zoom
Open to: AFC members or City of Sydney businesses. See if your business is in the City of Sydney LGA here. 

Globally, the sector is facing a wave of transformative laws designed to address climate change, human rights risks and consumer protection. From green claims and product traceability to human rights due diligence and circularity, the shift from voluntary standards to mandatory regulation will be felt up and down the fashion supply chain requiring suppliers and brands alike to gain an understanding of this new compliance landscape.

REGISTER HERE

Future Makers: The Women Shaping Australian Fashion with the co-founder of bassike.

As the co-founder of bassike, Deborah Sams has redefined modern style with her timeless, sustainable designs. Loved worldwide for their understated luxury, bassike’s pieces have become wardrobe staples for fashion enthusiasts.

We were inspired by Deborah’s journey, her insights on leadership, and her perspective on the role of women leaders in the Australian fashion industry.

1. What was your first start in the industry and can you share your career journey?
I began my journey in the fashion industry by working in retail at Esprit and Marcs. I later transitioned to General Pants as a buyer, where I advanced in my career, built strong connections with peers, and gained valuable insights into the industry.

2. Was there a pivotal moment in your career that led you or pushed you to where you are today?
I was working for other brands and noticed a gap in the market for a minimal jersey line. This was the beginning of bassike, which was created to fill this void in the market. We wanted to create wardrobe essentials that were ethically and sustainably made in Australia from organic cotton. 

3. Are there any mentors or influential figures who played a key role in your leadership style?
Working with our CEO Billy Voss for over 14 years has really helped refine my style and has inspired me as a person and my leadership skills. 

 4. What has been the biggest challenge you have faced on your pathway, and how did you overcome it?
There have been many tough times and challenges along the way. I’ve been able to navigate and overcome these times and by leaning on my team and maintaining a clear focus on my work. 

 5. Our industry is 76% female, however this is not the case at executive level. Do you believe the Australian fashion industry has evolved over the years, particularly in its support for women leaders? What can we all do to help change this statistic?
We’ve been fortunate to have incredible female leaders pave the way in our industry. I believe that by supporting and encouraging the younger generation and other emerging female leaders, this positive movement will continue to grow. We can do this by ensuring women not only have a seat at the table, but also have a voice. It's essential to foster an environment and culture where women feel empowered to share their thoughts, present innovative ideas, and push boundaries.

 

Stay tuned for next month's Future Maker, featuring another trailblazer shaping the future of Australian fashion.

Find out more about bassike.

Have Your Say: The Future of Fashion Week

Following overwhelming encouragement from the industry, the AFC is taking the lead on evolving the future of Fashion Week in Australia. Our role is to listen and guide, and we want your voice at the table - the voices of both AFC members and non-members. 

SHARE YOUR VOICE HERE.

Please complete this survey by AEDT 11.59pm Wednesday 4th December, 2024.

As we plan for this transition, we’re conducting an industry-wide survey to understand your needs, priorities, and vision for an industry-led event. The survey results will also be reviewed independently from the AFC.

However, timelines are tight. So, while there are limitations on what can be implemented in this first year, your input will lay the foundation for a stronger and more impactful event in years to come.

This is our chance to design a future-focused event that aligns with industry, consumers and global markets. Your insights will inform how we approach planning to ensure this platform benefits all designers, brands, and the ecosystem of businesses across our sector.

SHARE YOUR VOICE HERE.

Please complete this survey by AEDT 11.59pm Wednesday 4th December, 2024.

Australian Fashion Council respond to IMG’s Decision on the Future of Australian Fashion Week

Australian Fashion Council Chair Marianne Perkovic and CEO Jaana Quaintance-James, issue the below joint statement.

“The Australian Fashion Council (AFC) has learnt today of IMG’s decision to not proceed with Australian Fashion Week (AFW) in 2025. IMG has owned and operated AFW since 2005, providing a critical platform for Australian designers to showcase their talent and innovation, and positioning Australia as a key player on the global fashion stage. 

Turning to the future, we know we need a platform to profile and celebrate Australian fashion. This moment signals an opportunity for the industry to reimagine and reshape how Australian fashion is represented, and provides us all with an opportunity to explore new ways in which to showcase emerging and established Australian talent. 

The AFC, as the peak body for fashion and textiles in Australia, will lead this conversation. We will work with members, government and other stakeholders to consider the future platform needed to position and elevate Australian fashion internationally”.  

Media contact:
Prue-ellen Thomas
Head of Marketing and Communications, AFC
pthomas@ausfashioncouncil.com +61 439 882 788

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MEMBER DISCUSSION AT AFC AGM

We invite all members to attend the AFC Annual General Meeting on Thursday December 5th 2025, where we will allocate time to discuss and hear feedback from members on what our members need, and how we can collaborate to create a platform that truly shines a light on and creates impact for Australian fashion globally. 

AFC Members, please find your invitation in your inbox to RSVP, or email member@ausfashioncouncil.com

The AFC Annual General Meeting 2024

Marianne Perkovic, Chair of the Board, looks forward to welcoming our AFC Members to this year’s Annual General Meeting for the Australian Fashion Council online, Thursday 5th December 2024.

The Notice of the Meeting can be found here.

The AGM is an opportunity to give our members a report on the AFC's activities and finances for the previous year and to allow time for members to ask questions.

AGENDA

Receive and consider the financial statements and Auditor's Report here for the year ended 30 June 2024.

WHEN
11:00am AEDT, Thursday 5th December 2024. 

WHERE
Online via ZOOM. 

 

AFC MEMBERS REGISTER HERE

Please RSVP by Thursday 28th November.

Entering the US Market: A 6-part Webinar Series for AFC members on exporting to the USA

We are excited to invite you to AFC’s Entering the US online webinar series, supported by Investment NSW. This comprehensive series features six informative webinars designed to equip you with all the essential knowledge you need on exporting to the USA.

Open to all AFC members nationally, don’t miss this fantastic opportunity to gain insights from industry experts and international guest speakers, explore key strategies, and learn about the resources and tools available to support you in exporting to the USA across a range of topics including:

This weekly webinar series starts on 9am AEDT, Friday 25th October, 2024 and ends on 9am AEDT, Monday 29th November, 2024. Sign up once to register for all six webinars.

REGISTER HERE 

 

Dr Sarah Kaine hosts AFC members for an address by Minister Houssos on Local Manufacturing at Parliament House

Dr Sarah Kaine MLC hosted AFC members at Parliament House with an address by the Hon. Minister Houssos MLC, Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, and Minister for Natural Resources.

Dr Sarah Kaine MLC hosted AFC members for a Ministerial address on TCF local manufacturing and government procurement. We would like to thank Dr Sarah Kaine MLC and also the Hon. Minister Houssos MLC, Minister for Finance, Minister for Domestic Manufacturing and Government Procurement, and Minister for Natural Resources, for listening to our industry opportunities and challenges. 

An engaging roundtable including AFC Members Eric Phu (Citizen Wolf), Jacquie Macdougall (The Social Outfit), Jackie Galleghan (Madre Natura), Alison Lennard (Philosophy Australia) and Simon Stewart (Stewart & Heaton Clothing), discussed with Hon. Minister Houssos MLC their key concerns and recommendations that can help us here in NSW and broadly nationally. 

The discussions called for:

Craig Heckenberg, Managing Director of Epson, also shared a few words on their support of the AFC and their shared goal of a local, sustainable and thriving TCF industry that harnesses the power of technology and advanced on-demand manufacturing. We also shared the key findings of the Victorian Local Manufacturing report the Australian Fashion Council launched last month in partnership with Epson Australia, and discussed its implications for NSW.

READ THE REPORT HERE

We’d like to thank all our AFC members for their support: Philosophy Australia, Madre Natura, Citizen Wolf, The Social Outfit, Bianca Spender, Carla Zampatti, Lee Mathews, The Iconic, State of Escape, Eder by Anna, Matteau, THEODORE, Brigid Mclaughlin and Carl Kapp. 

We’d also like to thank our AFC Partners: Epson, TAFE NSW, Afterpay, Marque Lawyers, Imageworks Consulting, UTS and The Growth Activists.

Our industry is determined to thrive. Let's talk about the benefits of local manufacturing, not the costs. Let's talk about jobs, skills, the social benefits of sustaining a female-powered workforce, and the environmental benefits of sustainable and ethical production. Together, implementation of these recommendations is not just practical but symbolic. They send a message across our country —one that resonates with consumers, the industry, and brands alike: Choose Australian. 

We look forward to updating you on the next steps of the NSW Manufacturing Strategy. 

Master Merchandise Planning: Intelligent Planning for Retailers Webinar from Board

Board invites you to Australia’s very first Intelligent Planning for Retailers webinar.

In these challenging times for the retail industry, staying ahead requires innovative strategies and insights. That’s why Board have collaborated with industry leaders to bring you crucial knowledge on leveraging data to enhance planning and drive business growth.

EVENT DETAILS 

WHEN: 12pm AEDT, Thursday 31st October 

WHERE: Online Webinar 

REGISTER NOW 

This game-changing webinar will provide you with actionable insights and strategies to navigate the current landscape and thrive.

Featuring:

Join these industry leaders online and learn:

ABOUT BOARD:

Board’s Enterprise Planning Platform delivers solutions that help organisations worldwide plan smarter by enabling actionable insights and better outcomes. Board helps leading enterprises discover crucial insights which drive business decisions and unify strategy, finance and operations through more integrated and intelligent planning to achieve full control of performance.

Board have helped global enterprises such as H&M, BASF and Burberry deploy end-to-end planning applications at a fraction of the time and cost associated with traditional solutions.

REGISTER NOW 

Everyone who registers will receive an exclusive invitation to join Australia's very first Merchandise Planning Community.

AFC Greenwashing & Sustainability Claims with the ACCC Webinar

AFC Members and City of Sydney businesses are invited to our next Experts & Insights Webinar on "Greenwashing & Sustainability claims with the ACCC." 

Date: 4pm, Thursday 10th October 2024

Platform: Online, via Zoom. Register here

Open to: AFC members or City of Sydney businesses. See if your business is in the City of Sydney LGA here. 

As sustainability becomes a central focus in fashion, understanding how to communicate your brand's environmental efforts is more critical than ever. Supported by City of Sydney, this session features Aimee Chadzynski from the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to delve into the legal implications of greenwashing and provide practical guidance on ensuring your marketing claims are transparent, accurate, and compliant with Australian consumer law. 

A round table session will follow, where Jaana Quaintance-James,CEO of the AFC, will host a Q&A with Georgia MacKinnon from State of Escape and Rebekkah Carey-Smith from The Iconic where you’ll have the chance to openly discuss challenges and ask questions. 

Learn how to avoid misleading communication, enhance your brand's credibility and build trust with responsible consumers. This is an essential event for fashion brands committed to genuine sustainability and ethical marketing practices.

Register here

AFC submission to the ABS review of the ANZSCO codes

The AFC has made a submission to the Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) Australian & New Zealand Standard Classification of Occupations (ANZSCO) recommending immediate funding to undertake a nationwide review of current, emerging and future TCF manufacturing occupations and match occupations to the ABS ANZSCO codes. 

Our recent report, Victorian TCF Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology, and Economic Benefits, highlighted the pressing need to address outdated industry codes. The report revealed the TCF industry value and employment numbers are underestimated and facing severe skills shortages nationally, partly due to historical ABS ANZSCO and ANZSIC codes. Despite this, our report also identified a resilient industry with a strong demand for skilled TCF technicians that is not being met.

The ABS ANZSCO codes inform priority lists for skilled migration, training programs and pathways and ensure accurate quantification of employment numbers in the TCF sector. Since the ABS ANZSCO and ANZSIC codes were first released in 2006, there have been significant changes in the TCF manufacturing industry. 

The AFC recommends immediate funding to undertake a nationwide review to identify current, emerging and future TCF manufacturing occupations and match occupations to the ABS ANZSCO list. This would include consultation with industry to capture specific occupation tasks as well as unique TCF specialisation fields. This is critical to ensure training programs work together with industry classifications to support and showcase the breadth of TCF manufacturing jobs to students.

 

Recommendations

  1. TCF occupations are not retired or merged with broader occupation codes.
  2. The following occupations are added to the ABS ANZSCO and ongoing consultation undertaken with the TCF industry to better understand the tasks and specialisations for each occupation  (Garment Technician, Digital Textile and Clothing Printer, Textile Technician (including specialisation: Digital Textile Technician), Textile Designer, Product Developer. 
  3. Specialisations are added to existing occupations in: Production Manager (Manufacturing) - Add Clothing and Textile Production Manager, Clothing Patternmaker - Add Digital Clothing Pattern Maker, Knitting Machine Operator - Add Circular Knitting Technician.
  4. The AFC recommends immediate funding of the AFC to conduct a nationwide study to quantify the TCF manufacturing industry, identify current and future skills gaps and map career pathways to ensure economic security for the female dominated workforce. 

Implementation of the four recommendations will ensure skilled migration pathways and training programs that meet industry skills gaps. If unaddressed, the skills shortages impacting the industry nationally risk being lost and restricting the potential growth of the sector. 

 

Feedback from AFC members identifying skills shortages

“Garment technicians and pattern makers are very different roles with different levels of skills. This would be the same as calling an architect a builder, both very important roles, very different stages. I think this may be happening because of the off-shoring that has happened. A garment technician can work on tech packs but not clothing patterns, they are two very different skill sets.” - RB Patterns on merging Clothing Pattern Maker into Garment Technician job code

 

“Sewing skills is definitely an issue. The big challenge that we see is that it's a skillset that's part of an ageing workforce, and there aren't enough younger people starting in the industry who are learning the basic manufacturing skills and see that as a viable career path, as opposed to the more "fun" and creative side of being a designer.” - Citizen Wolf on the sewing machinists shortage.

 

“The roles we are hiring for today are different to a decade ago. Another gap is the manufacturing skills we lost 30 years ago when production moved offshore — it’s critical that the government invests in the skills and infrastructure to address the skills shortage in Australia with machinists and technicians and enable more local manufacturing, whether that be robotic or through skilled workers. This would help enable Country Road to fulfil the customer demand for Australian-made clothing.” - Country Road on losing critical skills to enable local manufacturing.

 

Next Steps

To ensure a prosperous future for the TCF manufacturing industry, it's crucial to adapt these codes to reflect the evolving landscape of the TCF sector. The AFC will continue to advocate with the ABS to ensure industry classifications better reflect today’s TCF industry, ensuring a robust and skilled workforce that can drive the industry’s growth and resilience.

Victorian Manufacturing Roundtable: Industry Insights and Key Takeaways

The AFC recently launched the Victorian TCF Manufacturing Report and convened a manufacturing roundtable in Victoria, with Honourable Minister Natalie Hutchins in attendance. The event brought together leading AFC manufacturer members to discuss the challenges and opportunities facing Australian manufacturing.

Earlier this month, the AFC and Epson Australia launched Victorian TCF Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth, a landmark study into the state of local manufacturing in Victoria. The report identified a resilient sector in a state of decline, with immediate opportunities to grow the industry again through strengthened government procurement, investment in technology and innovation, and strategies to address the growing skills shortage.

Following the report launch at Vince Clothing’s manufacturing facility in Brunswick, Melbourne, the AFC convened an industry roundtable with Hon. Natalie Hutchins, Minister for Jobs & Industry, Women, and First Nations & Treaty. In attendance were representatives from Epson, Stewart & Heaton, ABMT, Vince Clothing, Sample Room, TopKnit Fabrics Australia, MTK Australia, Workwear Group and Flickers Australia.

During the session, Hon. Natalie Hutchins listened to the industry's on-ground challenges and opportunities, as well as their requests to the Victorian Government. Discussions focused on implementing mandatory procurement policies for the inclusion of local content in TCF contracts, financial support for manufacturers to deliver on the job training programs, investing in innovation in manufacturing practices, and the importance of consumer awareness of buying local. 

The discussion focused on the five key recommendations from the Victorian TCF Manufacturing report:

  1. Include TCF manufacturing as a priority sector in the Made in Victoria 2030 policy 
  2. Mandatory government procurement policies to increase local content in uniforms, workwear and personal protective equipment (PPE) contracts 
  3. Develop a revitalised TCF skills and training program to fill workforce skills gaps 
  4. Co-invest in advanced technology and jobs of the future for a sustainable, circular clothing economy
  5. Develop a national TCF manufacturing strategy led by the Victorian Government and industry

 

Summary of key points raised in the roundtable discussion

Julia Van Der Sommen, Director of Sample Room 

We need to shift training from schools to on-the-job programs, as TCF manufacturers have the capacity to upskill workers. However, in small businesses, every role is crucial and time is limited. The industry requires government incentives and support to help TCF manufacturers employ and train staff effectively [Links to Recommendation 3] 

Julian Collins, Group Commercial Manager at ABMT 

We advocate for orders rather than handouts, stressing that a commitment to local content in government procurement fosters investment in jobs, technology, and advanced machinery. Designing government uniforms with local procurement in mind requires early input from local industry experts to ensure the garments are commercially viable and suitable for future recyclability. Additionally, the government should support the transition to lower-impact electricity sources, as this poses a significant cost challenge for small businesses. [Links to Recommendation 2 and 4]

Simon Stewart, Managing Director at Stewart and Heaton 

The conversation around local TCF manufacturing needs to move beyond cost concerns to highlight the long-term environmental and social benefits of keeping production local. Implementing mandatory procurement policies that set minimum local content in government contracts is crucial, with the Australian Defence uniforms serving as a strong example for other departments. Additionally, increasing the Treasury budget to support higher-value local contracts will drive growth. We're not looking to return to the past—TCF manufacturing is a niche industry, and we should celebrate the value it brings today. [Links to Recommendation 2]

Stephen Morris-Moody, Managing Director at MTK Australia

We should focus on the long-term environmental and social benefits of local TCF manufacturing rather than just its costs. Mandatory local content in government contracts and using Australian Defence uniforms as a model for other departments can drive this change. Increasing the Treasury budget for higher-value local contracts is also crucial. Celebrating and advancing our niche TCF industry, rather than reverting to old practices, is key to its future success. [Links to Recommendation 2]

 

Outcome 

The manufacturing roundtable provided a valuable opportunity for the Victorian government to hear first hand about the opportunities to support our resilient manufacturing sector. The collaborative efforts of industry leaders and policymakers will be crucial in driving positive change and securing a thriving future for TCF manufacturing in Victoria and nationally. Australian manufacturing. The AFC continues to advocate for TCF manufacturing with Minister Hutchins and the Jobs and Industry department and will be engaging with the NSW government to apply the report’s insights to the NSW TCF manufacturing sector.

Remade in Melbourne: Country Road’s collaboration with HoMie

Country Road is excited to announce a new collaboration with HoMie, launched Tuesday 3 September. This partnership sees a limited run of iconic past-season Country Road garments reimagined into unique designs at local facility ABMT in Melbourne.

A streetwear label and social enterprise based in Melbourne, HoMie supports young people affected by homelessness or hardship.

Through its REBORN program, it is exploring reuse in the fashion industry by upcycling existing garments into unique pieces. Past-season Heritage Sweats have been reimagined through a unique process. After being sorted into size batches and colour groups, five different design blocks were chosen to cut and mix various panels like a puzzle to minimise waste.

For the logo, HoMie REBORN collaborated with illustrator Nick Campbell, with the brief and concept tagline “from the Country Road to the city streets”. A puff print ink was chosen to elevate the final design.

Speaking to this pilot collaboration, HoMie’s creative director, Marcus Crook, said:

“HoMie is thrilled to be partnering with one of Australia’s most loved and iconic brands in Country Road, so HoMie’s impact can stretch all the way from the Country Road to the city streets.

This limited-edition collection will feature 230 units. 

The sweats will be available in four select stores: Brighton, Chadstone, South Yarra, and Warringah Mall.

Shop HERE.

AFC launches Victorian TCF Manufacturing: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth Report

We’re excited to announce that the AFC have launched the Victorian TCF Manufacturing Report: Future Jobs, Technology and Economic Growth. In partnership with Epson Australia, we have commissioned RMIT to, for the first-time, to quantify the current and future value of the Victorian TCF manufacturing sector.

The Report identifies five key areas to drive productivity, innovation and higher wage growth. Recommendations include: 

The current state of the Victorian TCF manufacturing industry presents a resilient sector in decline. To prevent further decline, “It’s imperative to the future of Victoria’s, and more-broadly Australia’s, textiles, clothing and footwear manufacturing industry that we collectively invest in and preference local. This sector is ours to lose. By implementing these very practical and achievable recommendations we can revive the industry, retain sovereign capability in Australia in TCF manufacturing and empower Australian brands to start, remain or even return on-shore,” Australian Fashion Council CEO, Jaana Quaintance-James said.

The Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP, Minister for Jobs & Industry, Women, and First Nations & Treaty, attended in support, stating that, “Transitioning to advanced manufacturing by adopting new technologies and upskilling will make our industries more efficient and resilient and better to meet market demands”

The report also highlights cost efficiencies and reduced waste that can be achieved should a smart-factory model be rolled out. Smart-factories utilise advanced technologies including digital sampling, digital printing and laser cutting to reduce waste and production lead times. At the launch of the report, a coat was made utilising this concept, made in collaboration with Ngali, RB Patterns, Epson and Select Textiles, and gifted to the Hon. Natalie Hutchins MP. 

 

 

 

 

 

Together, implementation of these recommendations is not just practical but symbolic. They send a message across our country —one that resonates with consumers, the industry, and brands alike: choose Australian.

Read the report HERE.

Fashion Exporting: New Changes to the ‘Export Market Development Grant’ (EMDG) Program

The EMDG program has been updated from Round 4 onwards to better meet the needs of exporters. The program aims to aid eligible Australian businesses in marketing, promotions, and training to boost their export efforts. It provides crucial support as businesses begin and grow their fashion exporting activities. 

New changes mean bigger grants, but not every applicant will receive a grant. EMDG funding is limited. They expect to receive a large volume of applications.

Due to the program changes:

Your SME business may be eligible in one of these tiers:

 

KEY CHANGES MADE

1. Larger Grant Amounts and Greater Clarity 

Maximum grant amounts are now set for each tier and are disclosed in advance. Grants will be awarded on a first-come, first-served basis until funds are exhausted, and rounds will close once the available funding is allocated. This ensures clarity for businesses and aligns with other Commonwealth grant programs.

 

2. Improved Eligibility Criteria for Small and Medium Enterprises (SME’s)

Updated to better align with successful exporters' profiles. Key requirements include:

 

3. Better Support for businesses

Potential to provide grants that target specific markets for different grant tiers. 

Read More Here if you are interested in applying. 

 

Deadline: 

APPLY through the EMDG online portal. Starting from Round 4, applications will be assessed in the order they are received. While the updated program offers larger grants, please note that limited funding means not all applicants will receive support.

Tier 1 – ready to export, applications open AEDT 10am on 12 November

Tier 2 – exporting within existing markets, applications open AEDT 10am on 12 November

Tier 3 – exporting to new key markets, applications open AEDT 10am on 12 November.