New Machine Spins Success: Harcourts Foundation Grant Helps Tas Textiles Expand Horizons

The Harcourts Foundation has proudly announced the presentation of a $12,000 grant to Tas Textiles, a significant contribution designed to support the local manufacturer’s growth and creative capabilities.

This funding has facilitated the purchase of a new Pom Pom machine, an equipment addition that is already opening doors to new commercial opportunities for the organisation.

Tas Textiles, a Special Work of the St Vincent de Paul Society (Tasmania) Inc. and an NDIS participant workplace, has a long history of producing knitwear in Tasmania, dating back to 1946.

Their core mission focuses on enabling people with disabilities to experience meaningful employment within a supportive environment.

This latest grant from the Harcourts Foundation supports this mission by directly enhancing the manufacturing capabilities of the facility, allowing for product diversification and skill development for its employees.

The introduction of the Pom Pom machine marks an exciting development for the company. The immediate application has been the addition of pom poms to their knitted beanies, a feature that has enhanced the appeal of their existing product line.

Beyond this, the machine has empowered Tas Textiles to pitch for large beanie orders and explore a wider variety of new products, including scarves, Christmas wreaths, toys, and keychains.

Executive Manager Linda Goram-Aitken noted that this new Pom Pom machine opens up numerous opportunities for them to expand their range and the number of stockists they can secure around the state.

She added that it gives them the capacity to bid for very exciting upcoming projects.

This grant is set to play a critical role in supporting their short-term needs and broader vision of sustainable growth and empowerment for the individuals they serve.

Molly Gibbons, Performance Coach at Harcourts Tasmania (who presented the grant, along with Damien Hollingsworth and Natalie Felhburg, Harcourts Signature), expressed her enthusiasm during the recent visit.

“It was such a joy to be invited into the fabulous new space of Tas Textiles. The Pom Pom machine is already creating meaningful opportunities for the organisation, opening doors to new products and larger commercial partnerships. I’m thrilled to see how this will support their ongoing success,” she said.

The partnership reflects a mutual dedication to social responsibility and community support. Pauline Smith, Head of the Harcourts Foundation, stated, "The grant highlights a shared commitment to community impact."

With the new equipment now in operation, Tas Textiles is looking to expand its commercial footprint, aiming to sell products Australia-wide and seeking opportunities to place their items in more stores.