Country Road supports First Nations-led projects and partnerships through Climate Fund

Callan Morse Published October 10, 2023 at 8.00am (AWST)

business

Trust for Nature were one of three Country Road Climate Fund round one recipients. (Image: Cory White)

Well-known Australian fashion brand Country Road has opened applications for the brand's Climate Fund, a first of its kind initiative which includes support for First Nations-led projects and partnerships that mitigate against climate change.

First launched in October 2022, the Fund has been designed to accelerate and incubate grassroots projects that reduce greenhouse gas emissions (directly or indirectly) and drive climate solutions within the Australian fashion industry.

Committing $1.5 million in the first three years, the Fund aims to build climate resilience across four key pillars: biodiversity, innovation, circularity and First Nations-led projects.

Indigenous communities leading sustainability projects which have an environmental benefit are encouraged to apply, with a wide variety or projects eligible for support.

For example, an eligible project could be a First Nations organisation working with local cotton farmers to implement traditional land management practices that drive positive climate outcomes.

Landcare Australia's unlocking carbon and biodiversity opportunities - a toolkit for farmers was a Country Road Climate Fund round one recipient. (Image: Cory White)

Mud to Marle by Full Circle Fibres, Unlocking Emissions Reductions in the Fashion Industry Supply Chain - a toolkit for farmers by Landcare Australia and Working with Wool Growers to Protect Plains - wanderer Grassland Habitat by Trust for Nature were recently announced by Country Road project finalists who received grant support in the Fund's first year.

Country Road's Brand Sustainability Manager, Erika Martin, said the the Fund's first round of recipients each addressed the environmental impact of producing raw materials for the fashion industry.

"We were incredibly impressed by the high calibre of entries received for the first round of the Country Road Climate Fund," Ms Martin said.

"In particular, we were pleased to see projects with a clear climate outcome and link to the fashion value chain—from fibre farming to garment production.

"We look forward to supporting each project over the coming year, as they work towards meaningful solutions for the Australian fashion industry."

The Mud to Marle project, an initiative by social enterprise Full Circle Fibres received support from the Fund in 2023. (Image: Cory White)

The Climate Fund is part of Country Road's existing business journey which includes partnerships with Landcare Australia to restore native habitat on Australian cotton farmlands, Oritain to scientifically verify fibre origin and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation to support emerging First Nations artists and creatives.

Managing Director of Pollination, Dr Helen Crowley, said it was fantastic to see so many excellent applications in the first round of the fund.

"The range of initiatives and innovations that are clearly underway to tackle the challenges across fashion supply chains is inspiring and exciting," Dr Crowley said.

"The quantity and quality of projects also provided a clear 'proof point' for the need to continue to build investment and support in these solutions that will enable the fashion sector to be a driver of positive change for people and planet."

Applications for the Climate Fund are currently open via the Country Road website, with applications due by 11:59pm Thursday 30 November.