Is it too late for Made in Australia?

For the past 13 years I have made 100% of the entire collection locally, here in Sydney. Never have I questioned about going offshore.

 

Did you know that less then 5% of clothing brand are even made in Australia? Thats a fact that I find both scary and humbling as I know we are in that %

Since COVID thee has been a huge focus on MADE IN AUSTRALIA but what isn’t spoken about is ,is it too late?

For the past 6 years I have witnessed the decline in manufacturing from fabrics, cutters and production houses. I have seen local fabrics mills close. A few years ago my cutter who had been in the industry for decades retired and was unable to pass on the business to anyone else. 

Its great to have the media focus on made in Australia but how do we help build the talent and skills needed? Family businesses no longer have the next generation to up-skill as they don’t see a future in Australian Production.

Maybe its too late for talks with the government? Maybe its time , we as consumers, really put our money to good use.

It can be easy to think that “ it just too expensive “ to produce in Australia but I think thats a cop out. What if we all brought less, loved what we brought and focused on supporting made in Australia more?

I understand the temptation of the cheap t-shirt but how often have you brought something cheap only to have it change shape after its first wash, or feel at odds with your shape when you put it on? I know I stand taller and feel better when I put on something I LOVE.

 I don’t have the answers but it does concern me , as more production houses close in Australia, what will manufacturing look like in the future? 

Will I be able to continue to make in Australia? 

Maybe we could do clothing swaps that are just made in Australia, maybe we can buy one top instead of 20?

Maybe new businesses can explore made in Australia as their first option rather then immediately going off shore.

Love to know what you think. Is Made in Australia important to you?