Join the Warrnambool library in a panel discussion as part of their Expand Your Mind public lecture series. Hear from textile waste activists, artists and fashion industry professionals about how to tackle this issue at a local level.

KATRINA NAISH

Founder and Director of A Fitting Connection, Katrina Naish has over 20 years of experience in the fashion and textiles industry across design and production. For 4 years Katrina worked alongside small businesses that wanted to produce their own clothing. She supported them from design all the way through to production helping in any way that was required. However, she found it increasingly difficult to align her values with the industry and her position within it. As a result of Katrina’s diligence and devotion to her community, 2020-2021 lead her on a journey to see the seed of an idea grow, develop, and come to fruition. She now leads her growing team into a new journey of educating students and the community to not only start to understand the complexity of textile waste and circular economy but to also see textile waste as a resource by facilitating opportunities to explore upcycling that earns financial rewards. Website

KYLIE PALMER

Kylie Palmer is the founder of Palmer Towel Co. a small family-run business on the Great Ocean Road. The business was born out of a passion for the ocean and wanting to immerse ourselves in the wave-riding community. Palmer Towel Co. is an environmentally conscious company that aims to limit waste in its business practice.  Website

ANN KRAUSE

Ann Krause learned to sew very young as her parents worked in the “rag trade” in the UK. Ann opened DNA creative clothing design studio in Geelong, making one-off garments. Ann is passionate about environmental conservation and 6 years ago pledged to only buy second-hand clothing.