November 5, 2013
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett helps launch Australasian Dress for Success conference
Having helped nearly 750,000 women worldwide suit up for new jobs, Australasian leaders of global women’s charity Dress
for Success will meet in Wellington on Thursday for their third annual conference.
Thousands of women come through the organisation’s doors each year, seeking suits or other work clothing, job interview
advice and ongoing employment support, as they head into the workforce.
Social Development Minister Paula Bennett will launch the two-day conference at Parliament, speaking on the importance
of Dress for Success’ work, and the government’s assistance for women through Work and Income, one of many agencies,
which refers women seeking work to Dress for Success.
Australian representatives from Dress for Success’ branches in Brisbane, Sydney, Melbourne and Mornington Peninsula will
attend alongside representatives from branches in Whangarei, Auckland, Hamilton, Rotorua, New Plymouth, Wellington and
Christchurch.
Corporate supporters, including Ziera Shoes, Blue Illusion (ladies’ clothing), Lion, Accenture, Manpower Group, and
Oracle Corporation will attend the launch.
Throughout the conference, themed “building better partnerships,” delegates will discuss overcoming challenges, best
practice, fundraising and using social media to reach potential clients and supporters.
The conference runs from November 7-9, launching on Thursday at 6pm in Parliament’s West Foyer. All media are welcome to
attend.
About Dress for Success:
Dress for Success was founded in the United States in 1997, and now has 140 branches in 15 countries.
The organisation’s wraparound services have helped hundreds of thousands of women get ready for work by providing free
clothes for job interviews and employment, along with CV and interview help, plus a job retention and leadership
programme.
In New Zealand and Australia, nearly 30,000 women have accessed Dress for Success’ services.
Each global affiliate is volunteer-driven and supported by a small staff and board.
ENDS