Dressing to achieve

It’s a truism in life that the more privileged one’s position, the more doors one finds open. But the corollary is that the lower one slides on the social ladder, the more difficult it becomes to break the spiral of decline. First impressions count, and rarely are they more important than in job interviews.

It’s this line of thinking which is behind a new initiative of the Metro Migrant Resource Centre, who inaugurated ‘Dress for Work’ in early November. Based by the library at St Peters Town Hall, it aims to provide business shirts, ties, suits, pants, jackets and shoes for interviews, for those who are unable to supply their own. In some cases, it even provides for a change of workwear until clients are able to buy their own.

Open only to men referred by job agencies, support services and Centrelink, the service operates in premises provided by Marrickville Council, with stock donated by the local community. The service is staffed entirely by volunteers.

“We want the neighbourhood to know this service exists so they can benefit from it,” said convenor Maria Lemos. “There are services like this for women, but for men there has really been a gap in the market, and an incredible need for it.

The service has already benefited nearly 50 clients, with numbers only held back by a dearth of stock. “We are urging members of the community, businesses, clothing retailers and manufacturers to get behind this important initiative by providing clean, quality men’s business clothing,” Ms Lemos said.

Dress for Work is looking for volunteers to help with appointments, fittings and stock management. For more information, contact Maria Lemos on 0404 022 760