After 24 years working at the Bonds underwear factory in Cessnock, Donreve’s career took an unexpected turn when the factory closed and production shifted overseas.
Like many others, she was retrenched — but not before playing a vital role as a union advocate. In her final 18 months at Bonds, Donreve supported her colleagues through the redundancy process, offering mentorship and support as they navigated uncertain times.
These days, Donreve puts her decades of sewing experience to work in a new way -altering uniforms for local sporting clubs. With every hem and adjustment, she helps teams look and feel their best on the field.
And when she's not stitching for the sidelines, she's making bags and creating beautiful outfits for her granddaughter — a true labour of love.
I loved how beautifully organised Donreve’s sewing space was—every box clearly labelled, every item within easy reach, making her creative process look effortless.
