Behind the Seams: Swap & Conversations
Description
Behind the Seams: Swap & Conversations, presented with UNAA Victoria Future Leaders Network, in partnership with the Australian Red Cross, as part of Melbourne Fashion Week
Join us for a pre-loved clothing swap and engaging talks with industry experts, highlighting the UN Sustainable Development Goals 8, 9, 12, and 13.
Hear from inspiring voices and fashion industry leaders as they discuss their power in making a difference in the fashion industry. Discussions will include:
How climate change drives exploitation in supply chains
Tips on how to reduce overconsumption
Labour and human rights in fashion, including modern slavery
Responsible sourcing, corporate accountability and global supply chains
Guest speaker line up shared below!
Then, dive into a curated clothing swap!
Discover hidden gems, exchange pre-loved favourites, and refresh your wardrobe in a way that’s fun and sustainable.
Join us for big ideas, a like-minded community, and circular fashion in action.
Refreshments will be provided. Special discount available for UNAAV Future Leaders Network members.
We can’t wait to see you there.
Note: Attending this event indicates your consent to be photographed by UNAA Victoria Future Leaders Network.
For the swap exchange
Please bring up to five clean and freshly washed items.
Items should be in good, wearable condition, free from visible stains, holes, tears, mould, or unpleasant odours.
Minor signs of normal wear are acceptable, but please avoid items that are damaged, heavily worn, or need significant repairs.
Check that zips, buttons, and other fastenings are functional.
All donations will be briefly inspected upon arrival, and items that do not meet these guidelines may be declined.
We all rely on each other to make the swap worthwhile. By bringing quality items, you help ensure that everyone has a good selection to choose from, just as everyone else’s contributions may help you find something you’ll enjoy.
Bringing items of different sizes, styles, and for all genders makes the swap fun and engaging for everyone.
Any remaining items after the swap will find a new home through donation to a Red Cross Op Shop.
Lineup
Keynote Speaker: Associate Professor Susie Ho
Associate Professor Susie Ho is Senior Academic Director in the Office of the Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Student Experience) at Monash University, where she also serves as Monash’s UN Designated Contact Point and Head of Delegation. Her work focuses on climate change education, employability and youth empowerment under Article 12 of the Paris Agreement, contributing to UN initiatives that shape global indicators for quality climate education and Action for Climate Empowerment. Susie will be Head of Delegation to COP31 Antalya this November.
Guest Speaker: Arron Goldman
Arron Goldman is the National Manager of Ethical Clothing Australia. Arron Goldman brings a decade of international experience in labour rights, ethical manufacturing, and sustainable supply chains to his role as National Manager of Ethical Clothing Australia. Having recently returned to Melbourne after working across Southeast Asia, including Cambodia and Indonesia, Arron has dedicated his career to improving working conditions, strengthening labour standards, and supporting collaboration between workers, businesses, governments, and industry stakeholders. As the former Programme Manager of the International Labour Organization's (ILO) Better Work Indonesia programme, Arron led initiatives focused on improving compliance with national labour laws and international labour standards while supporting more responsible and competitive garment supply chains. Central to his approach is the belief that protecting workers' rights and building stronger, more sustainable businesses are mutually reinforcing objectives. He brings this perspective to Ethical Clothing Australia, combining international experience with a commitment to strengthening Australia's local manufacturing industry and ensuring workers are treated with dignity and respect.
Guest Speaker: Courtney Holm
Courtney is the Founder and CEO of Circular Sourcing, a textile sourcing startup powering global circular material trade. With offices in Melbourne and Shanghai, Circular Sourcing serves brands and mills across APAC, providing sourcing pathways to circular inputs, including surplus, stock and new developments. With a background and expertise in circular design for clothing, material flows and supply chain transparency, and more recently, in technical systems architecture and software development, the heart of Courtney's practice is operational systems transformation for positive ecological, economic and equitable futures.
Guest Speaker: Belinda Paul
Belinda Paul is the Founder of RECYCL and has worked in the fashion world for over 25 years and understands the demands placed upon this industry to always be ahead of the trend. She loves the thrill of retail and established RCYCL to make ‘end of life’ solutions part of our everyday purchasing cycle. Belinda believes it is imperative to bring sustainable practice to the forefront of how we see fashion, now more than ever.
Closing Speaker: Nichola Krey
Nichola is a seasoned leader in strategy and operations, known for driving impact in some of the world’s most complex and high-stakes environments. With a deep commitment to people and organisational integrity, she has held senior leadership roles across the globe, including Country Director positions in Palestine, Vanuatu, and Aceh, Indonesia. As Humanitarian Director for Save the Children, Nichola led large-scale emergency responses across Asia, the Middle East, and the Pacific. She later served as Regional Program Director for the Norwegian Refugee Council, overseeing humanitarian and resilience programs across Lebanon, Jordan, Syria, Libya, Palestine, and Iraq. Nichola now serves as the Victorian State Director for Australian Red Cross, where she also leads the organisation’s National Resilience and Recovery portfolio—championing community-led preparedness, recovery, and systems change.
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