)
In Bendigo, a powerful partnership has quietly been making a meaningful difference—one school uniform at a time. Girton Grammar School has played an instrumental role in supporting SisterWorks’ work in regional Victoria, particularly through initiatives that combine sustainability, community care, and employment pathways for migrant and refugee women.
The collaboration began with a simple but deeply purposeful project: repurposing school uniforms. Girton Grammar donated 1,200 second-hand uniforms to be given to a school in the Philippines. Before they were shipped overseas, our Sisters in Bendigo carefully sewed new school badges onto every single garment. It was an act of solidarity and skill, linking communities across borders while giving our Sisters valuable sewing experience and the pride of contributing to something bigger than themselves.
Beyond these projects, Girton’s ongoing support has been foundational to SisterWorks’ work in Bendigo. The school has generously provided space for training and production, allowing us to run sewing workshops and grow our local operations. This access has been essential in building confidence, skills, and economic opportunities for the women we support in regional Victoria.
The Girton Grammar and SisterWorks partnership is a testament to what’s possible when schools, communities, and social enterprises come together. Through the repurposing of everyday items, this collaboration has warmed shoulders, crossed continents, and created real impact, both in the lives of our Sisters and those they’ve helped through their work.
We’re proud to have partnered with Girton, and even prouder of what our Sisters have achieved through this journey.