Bendigo's newest social enterprise is crushing the stereotypes surrounding disability, writes JOHN HOLTON.
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THERE’S a buzz at the bus stop near the corner of Mitchell and Hargreaves streets.
A group of teenage girls are excitedly showing off their Christmas purchases. One holds up a pair of cut-off denim shorts, another a cotton tote bag with the screenprinted face of a young Mick Jagger.
They’ve just stepped out of one of Bendigo’s funkiest new business ventures and social enterprises. A business that’s not only exploring the latest trends in secondhand, upcycled and handmade products, but also providing employment and skill-building for dozens of supported employees at Radius.
As Retail Services Manager Kate McDonald says, the pop-up shop Rags and Riches is already crushing social stereotypes and changing people’s minset when it comes to disability.
“People’s first reaction to Rags and Riches is ‘this a cool shop’, even before they know the products are designed and created by supported employees from Radius,” she says. “The response so far has been incredible, especially from young people.”
It’s a world away from the days of the former Peter Harcourt Centre or the “sheltered workshop” mentality of the past. Enterprises such as Rag and Riches provide real jobs and the chance for people to develop a whole range of new skills.
It starts with the recycling crew who, every month, deliver around 1000 bags of used clothing to Radius’ Harcourt Street headquarters for sorting.
“From there the search begins for vintage gems and other great items that can be upcycled for the shop,” Kate says. “Everything is handpicked by our supported employees and sorted into three categories: things that are shop-ready, things to be laundered, and things to be upcycled.”
Employees are gaining skills at every stage of production, from laundering and ironing, to sewing and design.
Deb Hall is one of the newest members of the Radius team and a mentor to the sewing crew, bringing her experience and machining skills to the Rags and Riches enterprise.
“We’re not just teaching people how to sew,” Deb says, “but showing them that it’s possible to breathe new life into fabric.”
Textiles coordinator, Jessica West, is also new to Radius. She is using her fashion design skills to create a simple, yet cutting edge dress design that the supported employees can create from vintage fabrics. More are planned to follow.
As Kate says, “The enterprise is doing so much more than providing work, it’s allowing people to pursue their individual creativity. We’re creating unique designs and everyone is having input into the kinds of products Rags and Riches stocks.
“It’s an exciting time for people to get involved with Radius,” she says. “We want to encourage anyone with a disability pension who has an interest in creativity – whether it’s sewing, design, retail, even hospitality – to come and speak to us.”
One of those people making the most of her opportunities is Yvette Adamson, a talented designer who is embracing the chance offered by the Rags and Riches enterprise.
“I’ve always loved drawing,” she says. “Since I was a little girl I’ve drawn just for enjoyment. My dream has always been to have one of my designs printed on a t-shirt and now that’s happening.”
As a result, along with fellow supported employee and designer Jace O’Halloran, she will be offered a scholarship to complete a Certificate IV in Design at Tafe – another example of how Radius employees are finding their way into mainstream education and employment.
Already this year, 75 Radius clients have been enrolled in the Certificate I in Work Education, where they’ve gained experience in everything from budgeting and money handling, to practical life skills such as shopping.
It’s resulted in one client, Emma Godden, gaining employment in childcare, while another, Yvette Keane continues to develop her skills as a barrista.
Meanwhile, as its reputation continues to grow, sales at Rags and Riches are increasing. New products and designs are hitting the shelves every week and the energy around Radius is palpable. The team are dreaming big.
The search is currently underway for a permanent home in the CBD for Rags and Riches, with plans to incorporate the former Swing Café which until recently operated in Garsed Street. A Rags and Riches Etsy store went online on Tuesday.
“The dream is for Rags and Riches to be the beginning of a truely interactive community hub, with not only a shop and café, but also gallery spaces, workshop and meeting areas, perhaps even a dry cleaning and clothing alterations business. The sky really is the limit.
“There are so many leadership opportunities. Ultimately it’s about people gaining skills to give them choices in life.”