Events

Grade 6 students at Brunswick South West Primary School will be donning locally made ethical hoodies when they graduate this year and receive their traditional commemorative end of year jumpers which feature the names of their classmates.

The navy blue hoodies were sourced from Collingwood manufacturer, Qualitops, and embroidered at LMB Knitwear in East Brunswick, which both participate in Ethical Clothing Australia’s accreditation system.

School Principal, Louise Chocholis, said because the school doesn’t have a uniform, they were keen to utilise the production of the commemorative jumpers to show their support for the Ethical Clothing Australia initiative which aims to provide a better deal for Australian clothing workers.

Ethical Clothing Australia spokesperson, Tommy Clarke, said ethical uniform procurement policies are a great way that schools can help tackle exploitation in the Australian clothing industry and support the local businesses that are committed to doing the right thing. He also said that schools shouldn’t worry about the size of their orders as every order helps.

“Either swapping to ethical manufacturer that are accredited to display the Ethical Clothing Australia trademark on their Australian‐made garments, or encouraging existing suppliers to become Accredited are both great ways that schools can help our initiative, so we are always more than happy to assist schools review where their uniforms are sourced from.” Mr Clarke said.

Photo caption: A worker at Qualitops assembles a hoodie.