2022 was supposed to be the year that high school students returned to a normal way of learning, after 2 years of Covid disruption and devastating bushfires that affected so many in our region.

We all know this year's catastrophic disaster affected many students making learning and in some cases everyday living, anything but normal.

To their absolute credit, and through the support of their school communities, students are completing their HSC exams before celebrating the end of a 13-year school education with the traditional School Formal.

The problem for some students was where to get their formal dresses and suits from given life had thrown them a curveball eight months ago. Come in Thread Together.

Thread Together Publicity Spokesperson Adam, who grew up in Lismore and went to Richmond River High School told the Lismore App "when I found out about how many students and schools had been affected and heard the news that Richmond River High School had been closed and the campus condemned, I thought, these kids are going to get to the end of the year, and they are going to have a Formal, and celebrate what should be a hugely joyful time for them, at the end of such a long schooling journey."

"Then I spoke to our team of volunteers up here and found that it wasn't just the kids who were flood affected, some were cost of living affected, and some were both."

"So we decided to put together an initiative, with the help of the school captains who spread the word and knew who in their community, needed a bit of support, to get a formal outfit for their special end-of-year celebrations."

The young people who registered were given the opportunity to choose their own dresses, shoes, suits and ties, and were fitted by the volunteer staff and CEO's of the labels who so generously donated their items to make a special day, that little bit more magical.

Lily Shepherd Richmond River High School Captain said "Today was really amazing, everything that Thread Together put together was amazing, and the brands who came all the way here to donate the beautiful clothes, shoes and accessories and to fit us made us feel very special".

"I plan to go on a gap year next year, and then head to Sydney or Brisbane to study Secondary Teaching at Uni."

We asked Lily if she plans to come back to teach here in Lismore, and she told us "I love the Northern Rivers, it's really beautiful and we are so lucky to live here so I would like to come back at some stage, though I'm not sure when that may be."

Connor McDougall, the other School Captain of Richmond River High School said after school he is wanting to study secondary education or sports and exercise science.

Lismore High School student Isabel Kemp said "this is very exciting, I'm really happy to have this opportunity, especially given that even before the floods an event like this one would have been a bit daunting and overwhelming to plan for, so it's really nice to be able to come in and be happy and excited for the formal coming up."

"There is a big buzz around school and I am very excited to be wearing the blue dress I've chosen. I plan to take a gap year after school and then study Arts and possibly major in a language, I've always wanted to learn a new language. The year has been tough on all of us and this truly is such a great opportunity."

Image: Isabel with one of the Thread Together team, receiving her chosen Bec + Bridge formal dress

Bec + Bridge CEO Natice Myers paid testament to the Thread Together Team for driving the Formal event and said that for them, a brand that cares and acts on sustainability in their clothing designs, from the textiles they choose to use to the ageless designs which can be worn for many different events, this is a particular event that the students will remember for their lifetime, and she was so glad to be able to make it a truly special event for them.

Wittner Shoes CEO Catherine Williamson said the Thread Together collaboration has meant that students can come and try on their shoes and if needed, receive a better size by the formal date of the 18th of November, and she felt great seeing their excitement after such a tough year, but the fact they were going ahead, truly is a testament to all the students and their resilience.

Thread together, a registered charity that responded within the first two weeks of the devastating Feb/March flood disaster to clothe those who needed support was founded in 2012, based on the simple idea to donate rather than dispose of unsold clothing. 

Founder, Andie Halas, saw the potential for unsold new clothing to be given to people in need, whilst also protecting the environment by saving these items from landfill.

Today, Thread Together clothes thousands of people across the country every week. 

To achieve this, they partner with hundreds of fashion brands, a network of charities & social service agencies, and thousands of volunteers. 

They are unique in that they keep clothing in circulation, diverting it from landfill and as stated on their website, "are recognised by the Fashion Industry as the most ethical solution to fashion excess- from those who have too much, to those who have too little".