In 2026, Regis residents across Australia will take part in Eco Fashion Week Australia, with the program expanding nationally to include every Regis home. Led by Regis’ Community Engagement Partner, Clare West, the initiative will bring residents together to design and create sustainable fashion pieces using repurposed materials, before showcasing their work as part of the national event.
The 2026 rollout follows the success of a pilot program delivered across Regis homes in Western Australia in 2024. During that program, residents spent 10 months transforming preloved materials into original garments, drawing on lifelong skills in sewing, design and textile craft. Approximately 100 residents from eight homes participated, with their work featured in public showcases and community events.
The Western Australian program also received international recognition. One design created by residents at Regis Como was selected for inclusion in the Closet of the Anthropocene Fashion Art Exhibition and Runway Show in Florence, Italy.
“Our experience in Western Australia showed just how powerful it is when residents feel engaged in something meaningful,” Clare said. “Expanding this program nationally means more residents will have the opportunity to collaborate, learn from one another and share their creativity with a wider audience.”
Building on the earlier program, the 2026 initiative will continue to centre sustainability and resident-led creativity. This year, residents will work with repurposed materials sourced from Indonesia, taking part in workshops, collaborating across homes and contributing to a collective showcase as part of Eco Fashion Week Australia.
“Residents really respond to projects like this,” Clare said. “It gives them something to focus on, to talk about with others and to feel proud of.”
Programs such as Eco Fashion Week are co designed with residents and reflect their interests, skills and lived experience. As the initiative expands across the country, it continues to challenge perceptions of ageing and highlight what is possible when residents are supported to create, contribute and be seen.
