By Christopher Nolan

To support the textile, clothing and footwear (TCF) industry in Australia, the Gillard Government has established a TCF Industry Innovation Council to bring business, unions, researchers and government together to champion innovation and provide strategic advice.

On June 15, Senator Kate Lundy, Minister Assisting for Industry and Innovation, announced the names of 74 Australian companies that will receive up to $55,000 in funding under the government’s Textile, Clothing and Footwear Small Business Program. The Gillard Government will deliver $2.58 million to improve these companies’ business enterprise culture, stimulate innovation, promote sustainable growth and keep manufacturing in Australia.

Christopher Nolan is managing director of Nolan.UDA Pty. Ltd. in Alexandria, NSW, Australia, and serves as a member of the ATA board of directors. This article was originally published in Connections magazine in May 2012, and has been edited and re-used here with permission.