ECA WEEK 2023 | PART 2
In this week 9th October to 15th October, 2023, along with the accreditation body Ethical Clothing Australia (ECA), we continue to celebrate & promote Australian-made manufacturing & shining a spotlight on our exceptional staff.
In PART 2 of our Blog, we had the privilege of speaking to three more of our dedicated staff members at the Fella Hamilton factory. We gained valuable insights into their daily work routines and learned about our Australian-made products and what ECA means to them.
FAYE | PRODUCTION & SHIPPING MANAGER
Almost 15 YEARS at Fella Hamilton
1. DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING IT FOR IN THE INDUSTRY?
My role has two parts – to lead the Production process and to manage the Logistics and Shipping.
In production, I oversee all local production which includes leading the production and QC team. I also need to work closely with the Design team, Planner and Cutting Coordinator and liaise with them on a daily basis. I need to supervise and manage workload and negotiate with external makers on price and deliveries, ensuring our quality standards are adhered to. Training is also a part of my role.
As the Shipping Manager, I oversee the logistics and shipping and liaise with our freight forwarder on a daily basis while keeping my colleagues updated with shipping dates. I maintain documentation and check that the documents are all correct, arrange payment to overseas suppliers, and inform all relative parties of impeding shipments.
2. WHAT DOES OUR ETHICAL CLOTHING AUSTRALIA (ECA) ACCREDITATION MEAN TO YOU?
The ECA accreditation is very special to me, especially working for Fella Hamilton as it demonstrates our commitment to maintaining Australian made products where possible. The ECA accreditation ensures that our workers are paid correctly and working in safe conditions. We really value our external makers and consider them partners in ensuring we give our customers a superior product.
3. WHAT INSPIRES YOU EVERY DAY IN YOUR ROLE?
I especially love the fact that Fella Hamilton is almost all run by women. The Cutting co-ordinator, Warehouse manager, the Head of design, Patternmaker, Planner, Mail order team, and myself as the Production and Shipping manager are all women! That for me is very inspiring, as well as being a part of the original Fella Hamilton story and its continuing journey.
4. WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR CAREER AT FELLA HAMILTON – A SPECIAL PROJECT OR INITIATIVE YOU HAVE WORKED ON?
We are very blessed working at Fella Hamilton. We were able to work right through the pandemic because of the brilliance of our CEO Sharon Hamilton who saw the opportunity to help our doctors and nursers in hospitals in desperate need of scrubs, gowns and masks. She almost turned the business around overnight!
Another amazing highlight is our ongoing commitment to empowering and educating women from under developed countries by donating our time and expertise in the cutting of reusable menstrual pads and matching carry pouches. The women lack access to pads due to the societal taboo surrounding women’s menstrual cycles.
5. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SEE A WOMAN WEARING ONE OF YOUR GARMENTS DOWN THE STREET?
I feel like I have succeeded in my job.
6. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR FELLA, DAVID AND SHARON HAMILTON?
I love the work culture here at Fella Hamilton. We are like a big family and it is a pleasure to get up in the morning and come to work.
KATE | SAMPLE MACHINIST
20 YEARS at Fella Hamilton
1. DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING IT FOR IN THE INDUSTRY?
My job is sewing protype garments. I have been doing this type of job for 25 years, and for Fella Hamilton its coming on 20 years.
2. WHAT DOES OUR ETHICAL CLOTHING AUSTRALIA (ECA) ACCREDITATION MEAN TO YOU?
I feel good to work for a responsible and fair company.
3. WHAT INSPIRES YOU EVERY DAY IN YOUR ROLE?
I love to see when a beautiful garment has been made.
4. WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR CAREER AT FELLA HAMILTON – A SPECIAL PROJECT OR INITIATIVE YOU HAVE WORKED ON?
During the time of COVID-19, we made face-masks, scrubs and gowns for different organisations. It was an unfortunate time but we were able to do something meaningful during the pandemic, and so this was a highlight for me.
5. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SEE A WOMAN WEARING ONE OF YOUR GARMENTS DOWN THE STREET?
I feel very proud for the Fella Hamilton company and for myself, when I see people wearing garments out on the street.
6. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR FELLA, DAVID AND SHARON HAMILTON?
I hope that our company keeps manufacturing in Australia.
JOSIE | ALTERATIONS & FIT MODEL
26 YEARS at Fella Hamilton
1. DESCRIBE YOUR ROLE AND HOW LONG HAVE YOU BEEN DOING IT FOR IN THE INDUSTRY?
My current role is in garment Alterations and as a Fit model. I have worked in the industry for over 50 years doing in variety of roles including a Garment grader, a Sample machinist, a Cutting room assistant, Quality controller, and general all-rounder – I’m always happy to help out in any area, and I’ve even been known to assist in stores during busy periods.
2. WHAT DOES OUR ETHICAL CLOTHING AUSTRALIA (ECA) ACCREDITATION MEAN TO YOU?
Its important, and I’m so proud of the fact that Fella Hamilton continues to support Australian manufacturing and has ethical accreditation.
3. WHAT INSPIRES YOU EVERY DAY IN YOUR ROLE?
I love the variety of work and am inspired by the friendly and family environment that we have here at Fella Hamilton.
4. WHAT ARE SOME HIGHLIGHTS IN YOUR CAREER AT FELLA HAMILTON – A SPECIAL PROJECT OR INITIATIVE YOU HAVE WORKED ON?
Years ago, when Fella was running the business, a highlight was my involvement in preparing for the new store openings. I still have a hand in this today by preparing the drapes of the fitting rooms. As the business expands and grows, it is always exciting when a new store opens.
5. WHAT HAPPENS WHEN YOU SEE A WOMAN WEARING ONE OF YOUR GARMENTS DOWN THE STREET?
I feel so happy and sometimes I go up and talk to them!
6. WHAT MESSAGE DO YOU HAVE FOR FELLA, DAVID AND SHARON HAMILTON?
Good luck and keep up the good work. I wish you all the best and thank you for always supporting me.
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