ECA WEEK 2023 | PART 1

It's ECA Week & there's no better time for Fella Hamilton to shine a spotlight on our exceptional staff than during a week dedicated to celebrating & promoting Australian-made manufacturing.

From October 9th to October 15th, 2023, Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA) places its focus on ethically accredited Australian-made textiles, clothing, and footwear, showcasing the efforts and achievements of businesses like Fella Hamilton.

Fella Hamilton has proudly held ECA accreditation since 2020 when we launched our Fella Healthwear division. Even amidst the challenges of the COVID-19 pandemic, we swiftly secured accreditation for all our Australian-made garments including fashion garments which constitute a substantial portion of our product range.

We make as many of our garments as we possibly can locally and are committed to strengthening local manufacturing. Fella Hamilton operates an in-house factory and sample house, housing a dedicated team of designers, pattern makers, fabric cutters, machinists, alterations service, quality control experts, and more.

Our commitment to quality extends beyond our in-house team to a network of trusted local makers, including fabric suppliers, with whom we ‘ve cultivated robust relationships over the years. Together, we proudly contribute to the vibrant landscape of Australian-made fashion and textiles.

SUZE | CUTTING ROOM CO-ORDINATOR, OHS OFFICER

7 YEARS at Fella Hamilton

1. DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING IT FOR IN THE INDUSTRY?

My role in the cutting room is to coordinate with other Department heads. Planning what styles are prioritised for our catalogues and making sure they are cut on time for our makers.

I do this by laying fabric with our new spreader and cut with the automatic cutting machine. I have worked in cutting rooms since I was 16 years old. But I have worked for Fella Hamilton for 7 years.

2. WHAT DOES OUR ETHICAL CLOTHING AUSTRALIA (ECA) ACCREDITATION MEAN TO YOU?

Our ECA accreditation means that I am protected in many aspects working in the factory environment. This also means our fellow clothing manufacturers are kept safe and looked after with our policies.

3. WHAT INSPIRES YOU EVERY DAY IN YOUR ROLE?

Working with the high quality of our clothing is what inspires me. I also enjoy working together as a team and the communication that takes place between departments.

4. WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR CAREER AT FELLA HAMILTON – A SPECIAL PROJECT OR INITIATIVE YOU HAVE WORKED ON?

Working together with the team at the Days for Girls (DfG) charity, and meeting the founder and community of women from around the world who run this critical organisation. With Fella Hamilton partnering with DfG, it is a real highlight to help young women by machine cutting the fabric used to make reusable menstrual pads and carry pouches.

Another highlight is working with my mum who also works at Fella Hamilton. Mum is in the Alterations and I’m lucky and grateful that I get to see her most of the days that I’m at work. This excitement is a testament to Fella Hamilton’s family work ethic.

5. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SEE A WOMAN WEARING ONE OF YOUR GARMENTS DOWN THE STREET?

I get a real kick when seeing someone wearing an outfit that left our cutting room, either in person or on a TV commercial. My daughters also call out to me in case I didn’t notice.

6. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR FELLA, DAVID AND SHARON HAMILTON?

I would like to say thank you. Thank you for the opportunity to work with my mother – seeing her at work is a blessing. Especially during the COVID -19 period when in lock down and you developed Fella Healthwear to keep is all working.

Thank you for your continued encouragement and support, and giving me more opportunities to be involved in your company.

KEN | CUTTER

11 YEARS at Fella Hamilton