Melbourne & Olympic Parks (M&OP) has collaborated with RMIT and Melbourne-based uniform supplier Cargo Crew to produce a locally sourced range.
M&OP’s director of people experience Taryn Evans said the venture prioritised investment in local manufacturing, with 80% of the budget committed to Victorian businesses.
More than $1 million has already been invested in local manufacturing over the course of the project, with ongoing orders ensuring this figure will grow.
“This project will continue to benefit Victorian businesses into the future, and we are proud of the contribution M&OP is making to the local economy,” Evans said.
“The ongoing collaboration between RMIT, Cargo Crew and M&OP sets the benchmark for these types of projects, while the support we’ve had from Creative Victoria and Sport and Recreation Victoria has enabled us to develop a uniform which our staff love to wear, and which represents who we are.”
The design of the new uniform was a collaborative effort, initiated by an M&OP-led design competition at RMIT’s School of Fashion and Textiles.
After conceptualising, designing, and pitching their ideas, students Lili McKenzie and Talia Rubenstein were awarded the opportunity to collaborate with M&OP and have their range developed by Cargo Crew.
RMIT University's Kiri Delly said the partnership presented a unique opportunity to students.
“Collaborating with M&OP gives our students the opportunity to work on a real-life brief from start to finish.
"As this brief sits outside the remit of pure fashion, it offers our students invaluable experience in the art of uniform design.
"It's incredible for our students to be able to design a uniform for an iconic Melbourne institute that has been inspired by Melbourne and manufactured in Victoria."
Evans said the new range merged utility with fashion.
“Our existing uniform had been in place for 20 years, so we wanted to create something which felt fresh, and more than functional workwear – something which makes everyone in our team feel part of the precinct.
“With the unique design and bold new branding, we’ve been able to create a uniform which not only echoes the built form of our venues but reflects the precinct’s place as Australia’s home of live sport and entertainment.”