Upcycling workshops in the Upper Yarra region

Community stories: 22 January 2025

Many local women in the Upper Yarra region experience socio-economic vulnerability and geographic isolation, making it harder to connect with resources and support. Cire Services sought to address this need at a community level, while also combatting a second major concern in the region: sustainability.

Close up of hand holding paintbrush, painting a pattern onto jeans.

With a $20,000 grant from FRRR’s Community Led Climate Solutions program, Cire ran weekly upcycling and eco-fashion workshops in 2024. They were designed to help participants adopt sustainable practices and reduce landfill waste, all while building stronger social connections. The workshops built sewing skills that reimagined and repurposed donated clothing that isn’t fit for sale, but more than that, they offered a safe, inclusive space where women could connect, build confidence and learn new skills.

The project was grounded in Circular Economy principles and a joint effort between Cire’s Yarra Junction Community Hub and First Impressions Clothing Exchange (FICE) program, a collaborative, community-led approach to local issues.

Australia discards between 200,000 and 500,000 tonnes of textiles annually, much of which ends up in landfills, releasing harmful greenhouse gases. FICE alone received 3.5 tonnes of clothing donations last year, with approximately one tonne deemed unfit for resale and redirected to upcycling workshops or other charitable outlets. The project aimed to tackle this issue head-on, repurposing textiles and fostering a culture of sustainability and raising awareness about the environmental impact of waste.

The program also had tangible benefits that had a lasting impact in community. Participants gained:

  • New Skills – learning upcycling and sewing techniques that could foster pathways to employment or small business opportunities.
  • Improved Wellbeing – many participants report increased confidence, self-esteem, and overall mental health, with the safe, supportive environment helping to alleviate the risks of depression.
  • Social Connection – women form bonds, share experiences, and support each other, strengthening ties within the local community.
  • Soft Referrals to Support Services – participants who have experienced trauma, such as family violence, can access additional resources through subtle, supportive efforts.

By combining sustainability with compassion and social impact, Cire’s initiative addressed immediate local needs and also contributed to collective resilience and environmental health.