What a celebration!!!! Check out some of the latest photos from paparazzi Cameron Richens from Game Soup… Story below

Waste to Waist

Dungog’s Defashion 2026 was a dazzling, joy-filled celebration of ingenuity, sustainability and community spirit. Saturday night at the James Theatre Dungog saw more than 100 local defashionistas gather for an evening that transformed discarded clothing, treasured materials and personal memories into eye-catching wearable art — proving that style and environmental care can go hand in hand.

The event brimmed with colour, creativity and generosity, with makers, models and performers of all ages, genders and abilities contributing to a warm and inclusive atmosphere. Created and led by Jane Richens and supported by Calwyn Kelly, John O’Brien, Michael Kelly and Dungog High School student Jacob Kirkman, the night captured the spirit of experimentation without judgment — a place where people were encouraged to try, play and create something beautiful, practical and planet-minded.

Presented as part of National Science Week by the Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub and supported by Arts Upper Hunter, the parade and after-party showcased the inventive energy of the Dungog region and its passion for reimagining fashion through sustainability. It was equal parts spectacle and community celebration: playful, thoughtful and proudly original.

Caroline Pidcock, who modelled a vibrant upcycled bohemian jacket featuring silk from a kimono, felted Indian cotton, vintage woven fabric and an upcycled sateen bed topper embroidered with dragonflies and butterflies, said: “Being part of a celebration like this in a small regional town just shows what real community is all about — celebrating each other while promoting sustainable goals.”

The jacket’s designer and maker, Jo Simpson from Dungog by Design, said: “Being a lover of refashion, natural fibres and upcycling, I love participating in Defashion Dungog. It is always great to join others to think outside the square.”

Maker and volunteer Julie Fitzgerald added: “It is both a privilege and pleasure to be asked to support my friend’s interest and serve the Dungog community. As a creator with textiles I love colour, texture and experimenting with a repurposing idea. Showcasing in this event builds confidence all round and opens the minds of the audience.”

The event was made possible through the energy and generosity of community volunteers, highlighting just how much can be achieved when local people bring their skills, ideas and enthusiasm together. It also showcased the importance of the James Theatre as a community space — a place where people can come together, share creativity and celebrate what makes Dungog special.

Defashion Dungog showed that sustainability doesn’t have to be serious or worthy. It can be colourful, inventive, inclusive and a whole lot of fun — with plenty of life left in the things we already have.

David Smith

Thank you to so many:
Paterson Allyn Williams Science & Ideas Hub team – Jane Richens (event creator), Brian Doherty, Michael Kelly (sound & lighting magician), Libby Doolan, David Smith • co-MC – Calwyn Kelly • Arts Upper Hunter & co-MC – John O’Brien • Dungog High School Student MC support – Jacob Kirkman • Paparazzi – Cameron Richens • Model co-ordination & more – Clare Tilyard • Stage – Dungog High School • Volunteer support crew – Donna, Margaret, Susan-Lee, Julie, Mel • James Theatre team – Gregg Parrey
• Makers & creatives
• Models
• Dungog community who came, dressed up and joined in!

Thank you all!!!!

On the catwalk…… wearable artworks / outfits • showcasing eco-friendly, sustainable & innovative fashion & wearables. Think upcycled couture, organic textiles, trashion, mending.

4 streams:
• biomaterials be inspired by textiles from natural materials • traditional or very new 
• the things we carry consider how we carry • stories, emotions, memories, things 
• advanced style celebrate older personal style • how funky would you like your 90+ self to be 
• anything sustainable embrace eccentricity • playful experimentation for your eco-friendly wearable

.. . . . . . . . . . . .. . . ..

see below for more info about this incredible community event 2 years ago

Defashion Dungog 24

Celebrating sustainable wearables – PAWSIH’s major event for National Science Week 2024. Fashion parade on the catwalk • live youth band ‘Metanoia’ • after party dancing. Jane Richens was an MC, is chair of PAWSIH and creator of this event and her collaborator and fellow MC was Freya Rubeli.

It was the night of nights for sustainable wearables in Dungog – and we are that town that is making a notable splash in the sustainable space, we have eco-cred and some of us like to dress up. The night had incredible creative energy and the crowd loved the intergenerational mix – all ages (from 8yo to 90yo) and body types expressing their creativity on the catwalk; the exuberant youth band and energetic dancing of ages at the after party including a break dancing circle.

Scroll below for:
• albums from the night – fashion parade + ‘Metanoia’ band + after party;
• names of the makers of each outfit on the catwalk.

Defashion Dungog: fashion parade

Photos: Gus Cavanough O’Brien & Brian Doherty

Defashion Dungog: live youth band ‘Metanoia’

Photos: Gus Cavanough O’Brien & Brian Doherty

Defashion Dungog: after party

Photos: Gus Cavanough O’Brien & Brian Doherty

Defashion Dungog: catwalk + audience

Photos: Sarah Crawford

Defashion Dungog 2024: artists/makers in the fashion parade & displays

MCs & event creators/collaborators: Jane Richens & Freya Rubeli
Landscape
01 Susan Fell, Mullumbimby
02 Jane Richens, Dungog
Colour
03 Robyn Werkhoven, Gresford
04 Jo Simpson, Dungog
05 Pearl Red Moon, Murrurundi
06 Jane Richens, Dungog
07 Misha Moon/Bevan, Gresford
08 Liz Hughes, Dungog
09 Cecilia May, Newcastle
10 DunUp Dungog
11 Ada, Dungog
12 Julie Fitzgerald, Dungog
13 Donna Woodlands, Dungog
Materiality
14 Jane Richens, Dungog
15 Jo Simpson, Dungog
16 Ollie Felton-Taylor, Dungog
17 Louise Robinson, Dungog
18 Liz Hughes, Dungog
19 Lynne McNairn, Fosterton
20 Marion Stuart, Main Creek
21 Cecilia May, Newcastle
22 Tara Mann, Dungog
23 Julie Fitzgerald, Dungog
24 Donna Cavanough, Dungog
Kooky
25 Pearl Red Moon, Murrurundi
26 Jane Richens, Dungog
27 Teigha Bevan, Gresford
28 Julie Fitzgerald, Dungog
29 John O’Brien, Dungog
From the audience
30 Hugo Felton-Taylor, Dungog
31 James Felton-Taylor & Annabel Kater, Dungog
32 Jo New, Monkerai
33 Tara Mann, Dungog
34 Freya Rubeli, Dungog
35 Sarah Crawford, Dungog
36 Gus Cavanough O’Brien, Dungog
37 Cal Kelly, Dungog
38 Helen Rubeli, Dungog
39 Misha Moon/Bevan, Gresford
40 Bec May, Dungog
41 Brian Doherty, Tabbil Forest
42 Cecilia May & son, Newcastle
43 Michael Kelly, Dungog
44 Jo Simpson, Dungog
45 Ken Rubeli, Dungog
50 Youth banner – Climate Action Now

Jewellery display
Indigenous artist, North coast NSW
Hollie, Brisbane
Louise Robinson, Dungog
Jane Richens, Dungog
Jane Richens & David Richens, Brisbane

Feature collective display
DunUp Dungog

Thank yous:
Jane Richens, Freya Rubeli, PAWSIH team – Brian Doherty, Michael Kelly, Libby Doolan, David Smith, Ruth Dircks; Inspiring Australia; Clare Tilyard – stage manager; models from the high school; Dungog Library – Amanda Field and Tracey Cummings; Gus Cavanough O’Brien for the paparazzi; Louise Knight & Dungog High School; CWA for their window.

Special thank you to all the creatives that contributed inspiring wearables, the audience who also dressed in the spirit and ‘Metanoia’ our energetic band on the night.