AFC set for new direction

MELBOURNE: New management and enhanced linkages with its 'big sister' are high on the future agenda of the Australian Fashion Council (AFC).

The AFC - a subsidiary of the Council of Textile and Fashion Industries of Australia (TFIA) - has appointed Claire Fitzpatrick as manager of member services.

Fitzpatrick, who took up her position last month, boasts 20 years' industry experience in the retail and product development arena - most recently as product manager of Yakka's Stylecorp corporate range.

Her main role would be the day to day running of the AFC and advising its 100 strong membership on industry issues such as government grant applications and legal agreements, Fitzpartick confirmed.
"Our focus will also be to create better linkages between the AFC and the TFIA," she said.

While the TFIA was manufacturing and technology oriented with a bias towards larger companies and the AFC's focus was on emerging designers and small businesses, it was critical to encourage interface between the two.
"From the point of view of research and development in the arena of fabrications, there are clear benefits for AFC members, who are always on the look out for new materials."

The AFC also planned to work proactively to attract larger companies to its membership, she said.
"I think there's currently a lack of understanding of what the AFC stands for among larger companies. So it's a case of educating them that the AFC is not just about supporting emerging talent but also has a role as a lobbyist for the interests of the fashion industry."

TFIA executive director Jo Kellock said the coming months would see the AFC appoint an overall head, following the resignation in February of Zoe Edquist - who founded the AFC just over two and a half years ago.
"What we're planning is to appoint an elected representative from the AFC's membership," Kellock said.

"We'll also be calling a meeting of all members to gauge what their demands and issues are in order to service them effectively. I'd also like to say that we really want to encourage members to be more proactive. What we're saying is 'don't whinge about how tough these issues are; it's up to you to get off your butts and do something'."

By Belinda Smart