Women of Quality Wool embrace innovation, sustainability and connection in Geelong

A COLLECTIVE of women from Quality Wool converged in Geelong last week for two days of valuable professional development, which included creating history by joining other trailblazing women in agriculture as attendees of the inaugural Women In Wool (WIW) Conference.

While mindful of current market challenges and their impact on Australia’s sheep and wool community, Quality’s female workforce – supported by male colleagues – were buoyed by a prevailing sense of optimism at the conclusion of their itinerary which celebrated connection, education, sustainability, and the future of wool.

The two‑day program kicked off on Wednesday as the group gathered at Quality’s 27,000m2 Geelong wool show floor, where senior wool specialist David Kay led junior team members through a hands‑on wool valuing exercise, a continuation of the knowledge transfer from experienced to younger staff that has underpinned the company’s ‘Q Academy’ training program.

The day unfolded with appointments at several sites in Geelong’s historic wool and textile region, beginning with a visit to LoomTex where the group toured the company’s textile mill and dye house, offering a fascinating insight into how raw fibre is transformed through innovative and sustainable manufacturing techniques.

This was followed by a visit to Deakin University’s Future Fibres Hub, a centre at the cutting edge of fibre innovation, where staff gained a glimpse into the scientific advancements driving the evolution of natural fibres like wool and a commitment to establishing a circular economy.

On Thursday, ten members of the team attended the inaugural Women In Wool Conference at the Novotel in Geelong, a landmark event bringing together female leaders from all stages of the wool supply chain.

Quality Wool’s Genevieve Dyson, a board member on the Women in Wool volunteer committee, played an integral role in bringing the first‑of‑its‑kind event to life and as delegate bag sponsors, Quality supplied 130 hand‑sewn woollen bags crafted by WIW Executive Director Bianca Heaney using fabric from LoomTex and Sustainable Living Fabrics.

Delegates were also gifted woollen beanies in a nod to the natural fibre they work with daily.

Broadcast live from the event, ABC’s Victorian Country Hour with Warrick Long added further energy to the day, capturing stories and insights as they happened and leading to an unprecedented level of caller interaction for the program as a wave of optimism swept over the event.

The conference’s lineup of speakers tackled the biggest issues facing the wool industry, from sustainability and innovation to leadership and collaboration, and a key theme was the unique strengths that women bring to the table, with an emphasis on working alongside men to drive meaningful change in the industry.

Sustainability also remained at the heart of every conversation, from wool’s biodegradable and breathable properties to its role in addressing microplastic pollution and the fast fashion crisis.

The conference closed on a high note with a gala dinner, where delegates were treated to a performance from Melbourne classical opera duo Pearl Divas.

For the women of Quality Wool, the week was more than just professional development, it was a positive reaffirmation of their role in shaping the future of wool.