Tassie farmers Matt and Vanessa Dunbabin share stage with Cate Blanchett at Green Carpet Fashion Awards in Milan
A TASMANIAN sheep-farming couple has shared the spotlight with Australian acting royalty Cate Blanchett at a prestigious awards ceremony in Italy.
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A TASMANIAN sheep-farming couple has shared the spotlight with Australian acting royalty Cate Blanchett at a prestigious awards ceremony in Italy.
Matt and Vanessa Dunbabin were this week handed an Eco Stewardship gong by Oscar-winner Ms Blanchett at the Green Carpet Fashion Awards in Milan.
The couple — who run up to 8000 sheep and hundreds of cattle on their 6400ha property Bangor, at Dunalley, as well as a vineyard and eatery — said they were honoured by the award.
This year’s awards — known as one of the world’s foremost sustainability and fashion events — attracted the biggest names in fashion and entertainment to the magnificent Teatro alla Scala in Milan.
In her award presentation, Ms Blanchett said an ambitious program of reform had seen the best Australian woolgrowers set new benchmarks for producing this most precious natural fibre.
Mr and Mrs Dunbabin said the award not only recognised their work at Bangor but also shone a light more broadly on world-leading sustainable wool production happening across Australia.
“Every day, woolgrowers across the country are caring for their animals and the land in a passionate and sustainable way, ensuring that when you are wearing wool you are also caring for the environment,” Mr Dunbabin said.
“Woolgrowers have always known this is the case and it is fantastic that this has been recognised by the fashion industry.
“Tasmanian wool is a super fibre, ecological and sustainable, producing the best garments in the world. Go wool! Go Tasmania!”
Mrs Dunbabin proudly wore a Tasmanian wool dress from Smitten Merino in Hobart.
The Woolmark Company managing director Stuart McCullough said support of the Green Carpet Fashion Awards was a natural fit.
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