Richmond Football Club

PARTNERSHIP GOALS AND INITIATIVES

Launched on World Environment Day 2024, the partnership focuses on repurposing surplus materials from Richmond’s operations into innovative, handcrafted products. These initiatives help divert waste from landfills while creating meaningful employment opportunities for women.

Key activities include:

• Upcycling 96 kilograms of donated materials, including guernseys and other textiles, into multipurpose bags, lanyards, dog apparel, and toy balls.

• Creating unique merchandise for Richmond fans with both social and environmental stories behind each item.

• Promoting these products at AFLW match days, with a significant debut during the Pride Round at Swinburne Centre.

TANGIBLE IMPACT

The collaboration has already delivered remarkable outcomes:

• Environmental Benefits: Diverting 0.19 tonnes of CO2 from landfill, supporting Richmond’s goal of net-zero emissions by 2040.

• Economic Empowerment: Providing 140 hours of employment to SisterWorks participants, enabling skill-building and financial independence.

• Social Value: Creating meaningful connections between the Richmond fanbase and the broader community of migrant and refugee women.

LEADERSHIP AND VISION

Richmond’s Sustainability Lead, Gabrielle McKeown, praised the initiative as a benchmark for sustainable innovation in sport: "The Tiger Army can now enjoy products that carry the essence of our values: teamwork, sustainability, and community empowerment. SisterWorks has been instrumental in turning our vision into a reality."

SisterWorks’ Chief Commercial Officer, Shamila Gopalan, emphasised the transformative power of the collaboration: "This partnership isn’t just about repurposing textiles; it’s about creating pathways for women to thrive. Seeing our participants gain confidence and achieve financial independence through this initiative is truly inspiring."

EXPANDING HORIZONS

The partnership has also laid the groundwork for SisterWorks to connect with Richmond’s extensive network, fostering new business opportunities and collaborations that amplify both organizations' impact. By showcasing the success of this initiative during community events and AFLW games, Richmond and SisterWorks continue to inspire others to rethink waste and embrace shared value models.

LOOKING AHEAD

The Richmond Football Club and SisterWorks partnership illustrates how socially responsible practices can drive positive change. By uniting sustainability with empowerment, this collaboration serves as a model for leveraging resources and creativity to build a brighter, more equitable future.