A Swap & Meet is where participants bring previously loved clothes and books that they no longer have use for.
The fundamental principle is to promote sustainability and reduce waste by giving these neglected items a new lease on life with individuals who will make good use of them.

Such an event fosters a sense of community collaboration where individuals connect, find value in what might otherwise go unused, and at the same time share stories about the items they're swapping. Every item has a unique history and story to tell.
It is a practical and eco-friendly way for participants to refresh their belongings and build camaraderie with their peers.

This type of recycling and story-telling promotes individual and collective responsibility, working to reduce the demand for new products in the contemporary world of mass consumerism. In consequence, also decreasing the negative environmental consequences associated with manufacturing and transportation.

We need to be cognisant of where our clothes may have come from to bring awareness for how it may influence our actions in the future.

The YP Swap & Meet looks to foster connections between like-minded participants and reduce waste in a fun and eco-conscious way, encouraging everyone to make sustainability an integral part of everyday life.

We look forward to seeing you there!

Event Details

Date: Saturday 20 July

Time: 1:30-3:30 pm
- Registrations open at 1.30PM: Attendees to bring items to the registration table
- 1.45PM - 2PM: Opening formalities
- 2PM - 2.45PM: Sustainability presentations and Q&A session:
- 2.45PM - 3.30PM: Swap Exchange and sustainability documentary screening

Location: East Melbourne Library, 122 George St, East Melbourne VIC 3002

Guest Speakers

Riley Aickin - Partnerships & UPtex Manager at Upparel

As UPPAREL’s Partnerships and UPtex Manager, Riley helps Australian businesses turn their textile waste into a valuable resource with limitless potential. Supporting the circular economy through the creation of high-value recycled products, that can be recycled indefinitely, Riley strives to reduce the use of virgin materials and leave the world in a better place for generations to come. UPPAREL is Australia’s most trusted, transparent and traceable textile recovery and recycling company with a vision to eradicate textile waste from landfills.

Dr Saniyat Islam - Senior lecturer in Fashion Enterprise and Sustainable Innovation, RMIT University

Dr Saniyat Islam contributes to fashion enterprise through Engagement, Education, and Research. He believes imaginative and rigorous teaching transforms the student experience. The Master of Fashion (Entrepreneurship), or ‘MoFE’, uniquely offers graduate students the opportunity to conduct research and develop enterprising skills to create their own fashion ventures. His research spans automotive and medical textiles, safety garments, and the thermal and comfort properties of materials. His current research focuses on Circular Business models, Blockchain innovation for Fashion Enterprises, sustainable textile materials, and supply-chain traceability of fashion systems.

Swap Exchange

Please bring at least 5 items (up to 10 maximum) and make sure the items are clean, undamaged, free of stains. Your thoughtful contributions will help us have a positive experience for everyone involved.

Please do not bring well-worn shoes, underwear or socks. Books are accepted but limited to a maximum of 2 books per person.

Sustainability Documentary

We are pleased to host the screening of 'Unstitched' during the swap exchange. Directed by Jenny Rygalska, this documentary sheds light on the fashion industry and the impacts it's having on the planet and its people. From a human and planetary aspect, Unstitched helps us to re-imagine what the future looks like.

Cost: $5 for members, $10 for non-members.

Consider joining our YP community by becoming a member for only $30 a year by clickin our link in bio and choose the Young Professionals option.

• Any items that are not swapped are encouraged to either be taken home by the individual or if suitable, will be donated to Save the Children by the UNAAV Young Professionals Committee who have formulated an arrangement.