Repurposed AFL uniforms create jobs for refugee women
The AFL and SisterWorks won a global Sport Positive Award. They repurpose old textiles to create jobs for refugee women.
The partnership started in 2025 and turns unwanted AFL uniforms, apparel and banners into tote bags, lanyards and cushion covers. All are made at SisterWorks' hub by women from refugee, migrant and asylum-seeker backgrounds.
In the first six months of 2026, it removed 150kg of textile waste from landfill. It created 1,140 paid work hours.
It generated an estimated $196,080 in social return on investment. The AFL plans to expand this reuse model across clubs nationwide.
- 150kg from landfill
- Textile diverted in six months
- 1,140 in first six months of 2026
- Paid work hours created
- $196,080 in first six months 2026
- Social return on investment
- $4.30 return
- Social value per dollar
Why it mattersThe program creates jobs for people. It protects the environment. It has earned recognition for its social impact.
AustraliaAn Australian social enterprise model won international recognition and shows how major sports can create jobs while cutting waste.
✓ Claims checked against the source. checked 2 h ago
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