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When Westpac set out to create a meaningful experience for attendees at its 2024 Westpac Scholars Summit, sustainability and social impact were top of mind. That’s where SisterWorks came in.
As part of our commitment to ethical production and the circular economy, SisterWorks collaborated with Westpac to design and manufacture 300 upcycled lanyards for the event—giving new life to materials that would otherwise end up in landfill.
These lanyards weren’t just functional—they were powerful symbols of what’s possible when corporate responsibility aligns with community-driven solutions. Crafted by women from refugee and migrant backgrounds at our Empowerment Hubs, this project provided both employment and skills development for Sisters facing barriers to traditional work.
For Westpac, the partnership was more than just procurement—it was a statement of values.
“Partnering with a social enterprise like SisterWorks is an honour, especially one that supports migrant women and helps them achieve economic empowerment,” said Lisa Cottingham, Event Manager at Westpac.
“As an event manager, encountering ‘event waste’ is common, so discovering that these lanyards were part of a circular economy—upcycled from discarded banners—was an unexpected benefit.”
At SisterWorks, we believe sustainability and inclusion go hand-in-hand. Through partnerships like this, we’re able to reduce waste, support local production, and empower women to build the confidence and capability they need to thrive.
This project demonstrates how everyday event essentials—like lanyards—can become tools for environmental and social change.
Looking to reduce your event waste while creating real-world impact?