Time for a facemask update? Here are seven local mask manufacturers that give back to the community
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22.07.2021

Time for a facemask update? Here are seven local mask manufacturers that give back to the community

HoMie
Words by Benjamin Lamb

If you’re looking to refresh that mask collection, while also making a difference, there are a number of local businesses that are doing good with each mask sold.

We’ve all got a bunch of masks that we’ve held onto for the past 17 months, but they’re getting a little boring.

There’s still a bunch of local spots making masks, and due to dwindling demand, they’re all pretty cheap too!

Today we’re diving into some of Victoria’s best mask makers, and all of the shops on this list support Aboriginal Culture, or those who are less fortunate in our communities, so you’ll know your money is going to the right place. Pick up a fresh face-covering today.

Kangaroo Jack

One Victorian business doing a bunch of good comes in the form of Kangaroo Jack, a sports shop making some pretty awesome masks.
10% of all their mask sales go towards supporting the poorest local Indigenous communities, through helping fund Victoria’s Narana Aboriginal Cultural centre, a great initiative that supports those Indigenous Australians who are struggling. The centre providing a number of great campaigns and initiatives that attempt to reverse the impacts of marginalisation and homelessness that have plagued much of the community.

They’ve got some of the coolest masks with a bevy of different designs, so you’re bound to find something you like, and you’ll know your hard earned money is going to a good thing. Check them out here.

 

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Yarli Creative

Run by a “proud and strong Yorta Yorta, Dja Dja Wurrung and Gamilaroi woman”, Yarli Creative have some of the best and most beautiful creations for you to check out.

They’ve got stuff like activewear, digital downloads, greeting cards, art, and of course a bunch of pretty cool masks that are worth checking out. The masks are DHHS friendly, and come in a bunch of cool designs, all with a great name, like ‘Pink Mulana Dreaming,’ ‘Peach Power of Solidarity,’ and ‘Healing Through Adversity’

The masks are made to order, so Yarli Creative cut down on all unnecessary waste, and they only take up to 5 days to make, too! Grab one or two here.

 

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A post shared by Aboriginal Art (@yarli_creative)

Keep up with the latest in local good news via our website.

Clothing The Gaps – Brunswick

Nestled in the heart of the always trendy Brunswick is Clothing The Gaps, a versatile fashion label providing consumers with the coolest threads and promoting the best of Aboriginal culture and its people.

The shop doesn’t cut any corners with their business, being co-founded by a Gunditjmara woman, and it’s a part of the Victorian Aboriginal Business register with the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce. They also are a part of the Ethical Clothing Australia group, so you know your mask will be of the best quality. All their stock is created locally, too!

Their locally-produced, DHHS approved mask comes with a beautiful aboriginal inspired artwork on it, check it out here.

 

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HoMie

HoMie is one of Victoria’s coolest new businesses, starting in 2015 as a Facebook Page, the 3 mates banded together to break the negative connotations surrounding homelessness, and support those who are doing it tough.

Then after some time, the page became a pop up store, with a few awesome things in stock. They’ve got a number of awesome masks if you’re after an upgrade, the strong-strapped, slim-lined masks are pretty cool, and you can even get it in Zebra or Leopard Print too.

You can visit HoMie at 296 Brunswick St in Fitzroy. Or shop online here.

 

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A post shared by HoMie Melbourne (@homie.com.au)

Alperstein Designs

Alperstein Designs is yet another Aboriginal friendly company, who work extremely closely with Aboriginal creators to manufacture some of the best Indigenous products.

They’re one of the oldest businesses on this list, having been around since 1996, and working closely with some of Victoria’s museums and high end retailers, so you know they’ve got the highest quality stuff. Their masks are created by some of the top Aboriginal designers, and money goes to the creators, so you know you’re doing a good thing.

Check out the awesome masks they’ve got here, grab one now before they sell out.

Sisterworks

Another awesome Victorian endeavour supporting those struggling out there is Sisterworks, who are a group focused on helping refugee, asylum seeker and migrant women.

Sisterworks have a heap of awesome masks on offer, and have the required three layers, too, and you can even donate a mask to someone in need, for $10, Sisterworks will provide a high quality mask to someone who truly needs one.

Check out some more info and grab a mask here.

 

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Bulurru

Another older business is Bulurru, doing business in the heart of Victoria for the last 30 years, they’ve supplied many customers with some pretty cool Aboriginal inspired gifts.

They work with Aboriginal creators to create some beautiful artwork that shows the best of Indigenous culture. Their unique array of masks have some Aboriginal inspired colours, things like ‘From The Bush,’ ‘Bush Tucker Tan,’ and ‘Warrior Dreaming,’ and a bunch more you can check out below.

Grab a mask and check out all the other stuff at Bulurru here.

 

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A post shared by Bulurru Australia (@bulurruaustralia)