A new wardrobe service is providing new clothing to those in need, thanks to support from Horizon Power’s community partnerships program. 
Thread Together’s mobile wardrobes – brightly coloured vans packed with new clothing and shoes – have been supporting people in the Perth metro region since 2021; and Anglicare WA has now expanded this service into the state’s north-west.
A permanent Thread Together wardrobe has officially opened in Karratha, with similar services planned to open soon in Port Hedland, Broome and Kununurra.
These wardrobes will provide people in financial hardship with access to a range of casual, comfortable clothing.
The initiative has been funded by a $20,000 Horizon Power Community Partnership, with the regional energy provider also supporting the transport of the wardrobes to the regions and Horizon Power volunteers lending a hand to assemble the pieces.
Horizon Power, on behalf of the Western Australian Government, provides $1.1 million each financial year to community initiatives and events that positively impact remote and regional communities through its Community Partnerships Program.
The program provides funding support up to $50,000 per partnership to organisations delivering health and wellbeing outcomes in their communities, across the Pilbara, Kimberley, Mid West, Gascoyne, Esperance and Goldfields regions.
Through the Thread Together initiative, individuals can choose clothing that suits their needs and personal style, helping to restore dignity and confidence. Referrals to Thread Together can be accessed through various community and social services specific to the regions, including Anglicare WA and Headspace.
Anglicare WA CEO, Mark Glasson, said while the service had been growing in demand and delivery in Perth, this partnership would allow it to expand into sites in the Pilbara and Kimberley, supporting even more Western Australians doing it tough.
“Demand for our services just keeps growing as Western Australians have struggled to keep up with rising cost-of-living pressures,” he said.
“More people than ever before are going without suitable clothes, prescription medicines, and other essential items, as they have no income left after paying for accommodation, bills and food.
“An increasing number of women and children have also needed the support of services like Thread Together to start over after escaping family and domestic violence.
“The housing crisis and cost-of-living continues to affect people right across the state, but we know these issues are exacerbated in Western Australia’s regions, particularly in the Pilbara and Kimberley.
“People in need deserve the dignity and choice of new clothing, without judgement.
The funding will help install regional wardrobes to provide much-needed access to clothing to the community of the north-west.”
Representing Energy and Decarbonisation and Pilbara Minister, Amber-Jade Sanderson, at the opening of the new wardrobe, Member for Pilbara, Kevin Michel, said as the Member for Pilbara he is proud to see Horizon Power partnering with Anglicare WA to bring this permanent wardrobe to Karratha, with more to come in Port Hedland, Broome and Kununurra later in 2025.
“Horizon Power’s support goes beyond funding – the team is also helping transport and assemble the wardrobes, showing a real commitment to our regional communities,” he said.
“This project is about more than just providing clothes. It’s about restoring dignity, offering choice, and bringing a sense of hope to people going through tough times. Everyone deserves the chance to feel confident in what they wear, and this initiative makes that possible.”
Horizon Power CEO, Stephanie Unwin, said the regional energy provider was proud to be supporting such an important initiative, empowering residents across regional and remote communities.
“Having access to new clothing that suits our style, personality and the environment we live in is something many of us take for granted. We hope that by partnering with Anglicare WA, to establish its permanent Thread Together wardrobes in the Pilbara and Kimberley, it will help relieve some financial pressure on households and boost confidence for those in need in these regions.”
In its 12th year, Thread Together is considered one of the Australian fashion industry’s most important chains in the fashion life cycle. The not-for-profit charity accepts excess end-of-season, brand-new clothing, shoes and accessories from designers, manufacturers, wholesalers, and retailers and then redistributes it through a network of more than 1500 registered charities and social service agencies to Australians in need, for free.
