Perth communities coming together for the Great Global Mend

The City of Canning is joining communities around Perth on Saturday 11 October for the Great Global Mend, an unofficial world record attempt for the most people mending and repairing clothing and textiles simultaneously.

Held in partnership with FabPatch and the Circular Fashion Festival (CFF), this unique event will unite residents across 16 Perth Metropolitan Councils in a shared mission to tackle textile waste and celebrate the power of repair.

The City of Canning’s event will be held at Hillview Intercultural Community Centre in Bentley, with participants invited to come along just before the event kicks off at 11am. At 11am participants will simultaneously start mending in an unofficial attempt at the world record.

From hand sewing and patching, to darning and sharing skills, attendees will bring their worn clothes and textiles back to life while learning about sustainable fashion practices.

Mayor Patrick Hall has expressed his pride in the City’s involvement in the Great Global Mend, highlighting the event’s role in uniting local governments across Perth for a common purpose.

“It’s inspiring to see 16 local governments come together to champion the value of repairing over discarding.

“Repairing is an act of resistance against throwaway culture, this event is not just about achieving a record but about shifting mindsets and celebrating community-driven solutions that tackle textile waste.

“I’d like to encourage residents to come along, bring something to fix, your sewing kit, and help us make history,” said Mayor Hall.

The event will feature a FabPatch station offering a limited number of free rub-on patches, a communal mending space, and hands-on repair guidance, as well as opportunities to share personal repair stories and sustainability tips.

Attendees will be required to bring their own needle and threads and other mending supplies.

All are welcome from experienced stitchers to curious beginners. For more information, please go to www.canning.wa.gov.au/greatglobalmend.