Australian Makers

Thongs Australia

Thongs are a quintessential part of Australian fashion culture, and there’s nothing more ‘Aussie’ than strolling down the beach in a pair of locally made Thongs manufactured in Melbourne by Thongs Australia.

Directors Marc Lord and Andrew Kuypers pride themselves on making a high-quality product from durable, natural rubber that will “last many summers”.

From Australia’s urban cities to its beautiful coastlines, even the design and tread patterns of these locally-made Thongs have been directly influenced by iconic Australian architecture, art and natural landmarks. Shoppers can choose between a select range of colours including Classic Black, Salt Lake Pink, Otways Green and Outback Red (coming soon). Thongs Australia is committed to locally manufacturing everyday footwear that provides optimum comfort and durability, while limiting its environmental impact by putting less product into the market.

Budgy Smuggler

Aussies are always prepared to have a bit of laugh, an attribute that has no doubt contributed to the success of Manly-based brand Budgy Smuggler Swimwear. General Smuggling Manager, Brenden Hartmann, says that making bright, outrageous and fun prints in their Sydney factory is incredibly rewarding because it allows them to “see the result” of their hard work. Manufacturing locally also enables Budgy Smuggler to maintain a close relationship with their factory team, who have been crafting Aussie swimwear for 12 years.

From humble beginnings as a group of mates having a laugh in their backyard, to sending out more than 40,000 thousand pairs of swimwear all over the world each year, Budgy Smuggler have become an Aussie icon. It's Aussie Made swimwear has even been worn by Prince Harry, Duke of Sussex on a recent visit to Australia. Budgy Smuggler is proud to carry the Australian Made “stamp of approval” which gives shoppers confidence that their swimwear is genuinely made in Australia.

AusTANNERS & Graine

Meet Matthew Courtnay, Owner & Director of Geelong -based leather tannery AusTANNERS Australia. With over 80 years history in leather production, they pride themselves on producing high quality leathers that will stand the test of time. It’s easy to see why AusTANNERS is the preferred leather supplier to bespoke leather goods producers locally and internationally, supplying Australian-made leathers for saddlery, sports equipment, fashion, upholstery and more.

One of AusTANNERS’ longest standing customers is Graine, a family-owned fashion label which has been designing and crafting a range of bags, belts, wallets and more in Brunswick East, Victoria, for more than 30 years.  Second-generation designer and Brand Manager, Kerryn Brodie, believes that when shoppers buy Australian Made leather products they’re “supporting local jobs and the economy”. Graine products are made one at a time, which allows its leather artisans to give extra care and attention to the creation of each new piece. 

Volvo & Mack Trucks

Meet Martin Merrick, President & CEO of Volvo Group Australia, the country’s largest automotive manufacturer, producing heavy duty trucks. Volvo Group’s Australian manufacturing story began in 1972 when the business first established their production facility building trucks in Wacol, Queensland. This facility is now responsible for the manufacture of both Volvo and Mack Trucks. Their team now consists of approximately 1500 people of 40 different nationalities and supports a supply chain of over 90 local businesses.

Volvo Trucks is renowned for their reliability and are underpinned by three core values: quality, safety and environmental care. Several Volvo models are designed and built here in Australia specifically for Australian conditions. In 2001 Mack trucks were integrated into the Wacol factory. Mack have been driving Australia forward for 100 years and their heavy-duty vehicles are custom-made with the durability and strength to conquer the tough roads and harsh environmental conditions familiar to Australian long-haul drivers.