How Richmond Football Club and SisterWorks Are Turning AFL Waste Into Opportunity

Partnership Highlights

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A powerful collaboration at the intersection of sustainability and social impact is thriving between Richmond Football Club and SisterWorks, proving that sport, purpose, and community can build a better future together.

Launched on World Environment Day 2024, the partnership between Richmond Football Club and SisterWorks brings new life to surplus AFL merchandise while creating life-changing opportunities for refugee, migrant, and asylum-seeking women through meaningful employment and skills development.

A Partnership That Champions People and Planet

Richmond’s Environmental Sustainability and Diversity and Inclusion Action Plans set a bold direction. This partnership brings both commitments to life through practical, impactful action.

AFL Spirit, Reimagined by Women of Strength

The women at the heart of SisterWorks have taken centre stage in bringing these products to life. In May 2025, fans celebrated Kamdyn McIntosh’s 200th game wearing iconic headbands crafted from repurposed Richmond gear—each one lovingly made by a Sister.

“This project has given our Sisters income, confidence, and purpose. It’s more than repurposing—it’s recognition,”
said Shamila Gopalan, Chief Commercial Officer of SisterWorks.

The collaboration also introduced custom merchandise at AFLW match days, with a special debut at Pride Round at Swinburne Centre—blending sustainability, sport, and social enterprise on a national stage.

Setting the Benchmark in Corporate Responsibility

Richmond’s Sustainability Lead Gabrielle McKeown described the project as a blueprint for innovation in sports:

“The Tiger Army can now enjoy products that carry the essence of our values: teamwork, sustainability, and community empowerment.”

For SisterWorks, the partnership has opened new doors—not just financially, but in creating visibility for our mission to empower women through work. It shows what’s possible when brands lean into collaboration and shared value.

Let’s Work Together

This partnership exemplifies what’s possible when businesses think creatively and act with purpose. It’s a call to action for other organisations to ask:

How can we reduce our waste while increasing our impact?
How can our brand help build economic pathways for diverse women?
What can we achieve when we combine sustainability with social good?

We’re ready to collaborate.

If your business is exploring corporate social responsibility, circular economy solutions, or community engagement, SisterWorks wants to hear from you.