RESIDENTS from three Regis aged care homes on the peninsula came together for a sustainable fashion showcase, celebrating months of creativity and hard work.
Regis Capel Sound, Rosebud, and Mornington residents came together on 8 September to showcase their designs.
The project was in collaboration with Eco Fashion Week Australia, a nationwide initiative that celebrates sustainable fashion.
All Regis homes across Australia participated, with finalists from the fashion showcases set to share their designs at Eco Fashion Week in Perth in October.
Regis Capel Sound Lifestyle Coordinator Shelley Taylor said residents worked collaboratively with the lifestyle team for the past three months to create unique outfits.
“The project has been inspiring, a lot of fun, and as Lifestyle Coordinator, I feel very privileged to be part of our wonderful home community and proud of what we have achieved,” said Taylor.
“The aim of this project was to use recycled materials to repurpose and celebrate creativity, sustainability, collaboration and community connection.”
Residents used items such as dyed kitchen hair nets, donated beads and gems, repurposed materials from Indonesia, and items from op shops.
Regis Capel Sound resident Petah said she really enjoyed working collaboratively with other residents and staff.
“The whole process was a lovely challenge, from the meetings to start with basic ideas through to seeing the complete view of the dress,” said Petah.
“It was a lot of fun experimenting with ideas and materials and coming up with solutions. I liked that I got to know other residents through the experience.”
Regis National Manager of Lifestyle and Community Engagement, Amanda Glenwright, said the project empowers residents to challenge themselves and work creatively as a team.
“For people living in aged care, projects like this provide a meaningful sense of purpose and motivation,” said Glenwright.
“We’ve seen firsthand how residents become more socially engaged as they collaborate. They really experience an increased sense of pride as they design, create and share their successes with a wider audience.”
Regis co-designs programs such as Eco Fashion Week with their residents to continue to challenge perceptions of aging and highlight what is possible when older Australians are supported to create and contribute.
First published in the Mornington News – 22 September 2026
