Ms Bowman is hoping to make Dress for Success, an initiative that has operated in Sydney for six years, a reality for women in Wollongong. A registered charity, Dress for Success aims to assist women by providing free professional clothing, accessories and styling advice, to enable them to attend training courses, job interviews and subsequent employment, feeling confident and appropriately dressed. “A lack of suitable clothing has been shown to be a silent barrier for women returning to the workforce,” Ms Bowman said. “Dress for Success is a wonderful service that helps break down barriers for women who have been out of the workforce.”

Ms Bowman is working with Dress for Success Sydney and local employment agencies to gauge interest in starting up the program in Wollongong and wants to hear from businesses and volunteers interested in getting involved. If you can assist, contact her at nickibowman@bigpond.com.