The Nest Community Ltd

The Nest Community Ltd is a vibrant Australian charity dedicated to connecting women purposefully through craft. Founded in 2014, it fosters a welcoming and supportive environment where women of all ages share skills, creativity, and values centred on sustainability, community, and conservation. The organisation operates as a thriving social enterprise that empowers women by promoting hand making, skill sharing, and sustainable textile practices, while also addressing textile waste through innovative resource recovery.

The Nest Haberdashery: A Hub for Sustainable Crafting

The Nest Haberdashery is the flagship social enterprise of The Nest Community Ltd, serving as a textile recovery centre and retail outlet for reclaimed, preloved sewing supplies. It supports Brisbane’s maker community by diverting thousands of litres of textiles from landfill each week and providing low-cost, quality resources to crafters, artisans, and emerging designers. This vibrant space fosters a circular economy, encouraging reuse, upcycling, and creativity.

Mission and Vision

The Nest Community Ltd’s mission is to provide a welcoming space for women to connect purposefully through craft. Its vision is to build a resilient community based on unconditional giving, where both people and resources are equally valued, promoting sustainability and social connection.

Main Objectives

• To foster a supportive community for women to share and develop craft skills.
• To promote sustainable textile practices by reclaiming and repurposing materials.
• To operate a social enterprise that funds community programs and workshops.
• To preserve Australian craft heritage through a curated collection of significant artefacts.
• To empower vulnerable groups through mentoring and skill-sharing initiatives.

Benefiting Groups

• Women of all ages seeking connection and creative expression.
• Vulnerable teenage girls participating in mentoring programs.
• Brisbane’s maker community, including artisans and emerging designers.
• Volunteers who contribute to textile recovery and community activities.
• Local schools and educational groups engaged through partnerships.

Types of Services and Activities

• Textile Recovery Centre: Processing and repurposing donated textiles and craft supplies.
• The Nest Haberdashery: Retail outlet offering low-cost, reclaimed craft materials.
• Skill-sharing workshops: Teaching sewing, knitting, crochet, and other crafts.
• Exchange Project: Free mentoring program for vulnerable high school girls to build confidence through craft.
• Heritage Collection: Preserving and showcasing significant craft artefacts.
• Community events and craft stalls: Fundraising and engagement activities using handmade items.