Jenny Leong MP asked the Parliament to recognise the amazing work, and incredible achievements of The Social Outfit, and pay particular tribute to former CEO Jackie Ruddock whose hard work and dedication to ethical fashion has had such a positive impact on our local community.
"I draw the attention of this parliament to the amazing work, and incredible achievements of The Social Outfit, and pay particular tribute to former CEO Jackie Ruddock whose hard work and dedication to ethical fashion has had such a positive impact on our local community. In 2012, Jackie Ruddock and a small but passionate team brought The Social Outfit to life in Sydney. Since then they have employed 21 people from the refugee community, which included providing a first Australian job to 18 people, and helping transition 19 people into ongoing external employment. This employment work paid just under $500,000 directly into the hands of refugee and new migrant communities through secure wages.
The Outfit has also provided specialist sewing training to over 240 women from Western Sydney's refugee and new migrant community, and engaged over 300 people in colourful and celebratory fashion, sewing and other creative design programs. I thank Jacqui for her amazing contribution, and wish her the best of luck with her next endeavor. Congratulations to the whole Social Outfit Team, and welcome to new CEO Camilla Schippa."
