Youth Week 2023

Published on 03 April 2023

Reducing the mountains of waste in the clothing sector is the focus of the Deniliquin Youth Week between April 20-30 with two Easter holiday workshops on April 20 and April 21, 2023.

The workshops showcase practical techniques to upcycle and recycle clothing to reduce the astonishing 23 kgs of waste textiles per person each year that Aussies generate. Workshops are free and open to school children aged 8 -18 with funding from the NSW State Government’s Youth Week initiative and matched dollar for dollar by the Edward River Council.

The April 20 workshop TeeReeMade focuses on recycling favourite T shirts for the age group 8+ and will be held at the Deniliquin Multi Arts Centre between 2-4pm. The April 21 workshop PimpMyTee/Jeans workshop encourages the 10+ age group to upcycle a loved piece of clothing rather than throwing it out, hosted at the Deniliquin Multi Arts Centre between 10am-1pm.

Edward River Council has partnered with Melbourne-based refashion organisation A Fitting Connection led by facilitator Jodie Stephens to deliver the Easter holiday workshops. A Fitting Connection was founded by Katrina Naish who has over 20 years’ experience in the fashion industry which has motivated her to launch multiple initiatives to educate and excite students to upcycle textile water and make conscious choices about keeping and re-purposing clothing rather than throw-in into landfill.

“I never felt comfortable with the amount of waste being created when clothes are manufactured, and when they are discarded through the ever-faster cycle of fashion.” Katrina says. “In Australia, it’s estimated that 23 kilograms of textile waste is going to landfill per person, per year. I find this absolutely shocking and have decided to use my industry knowledge to help change this.”

“Our workshops and initiatives are designed to create awareness and start conversations,” Katrina says. “I’m particularly focused on getting our youth involved. They have a huge passion for environmental causes, and I want to give them the skills they need to bring about change.”

Edward River Council has a commitment to activities that promote sustainability and encourage our youth to adopt good environmental practices.

For further information regarding Youth Week Activities please contact Ellie Danckert on 03 5898 3099.