Episode #4
FARM TO FASHION—THE GOONDIWINDI COTTON STORY | WHAT SHE SAID
What does it take to turn a family farm into one of Australia’s most recognised country clothing brands — and then start thinking about what comes after the clothes have been worn?In this episode of Homegrown, we’re joined by Harry Coulton from Goondiwindi Cotton, part of the fifth generation of a farming family that has spent decades adapting, innovating and finding new ways to keep both their business and their regional community moving forward.We talk about everything from growing cotton and managing water to the technology changing Australian agriculture, the realities of working in a multigenerational family business and how Goondiwindi Cotton went from the paddock to the wardrobe.But some of the biggest ideas are about what comes next.Harry takes us inside Goondiwindi Cotton’s Circular Cotton project, which is exploring whether unwanted 100% cotton garments can be shredded and returned to agricultural soil rather than ending up in landfill.We also talk about the brand’s ambitions for Brisbane 2032, including its bid to help supply garments for the Games — and why, for the Coulton family, the opportunity is about much more than clothing. It’s a chance to put Goondiwindi, regional Queensland and Australian agriculture on a global stage.In this conversation: How cotton is actually grown — including water use, crop rotation and soil health The Circular Cotton project and turning textile waste into “farm fill” How Goondiwindi Cotton grew from agriculture into fashion The technology transforming modern farming How social media and influencers changed the way the brand sells The plans to grow Goondiwindi Cotton beyond Australia The Brisbane 2032 bid and the possibility of completely traceable Australian cotton garments What Harry has learnt from joining a multigenerational family business Why creating opportunities in Goondiwindi matters just as much as growing the brandAnd yes… we also find out whether Harry was ever tempted to appear on Farmer Wants a Wife, what happens when he and Sam disagree, and why sometimes the best business strategy really is simply to pivot.This is a story about cotton, but it’s also about family, innovation, resilience, sustainability and the future of regional Australia.Don't forget to sign the gundygoesforgold petition to show your support: https://petition.goondiwindicotton.com.au/ If you enjoy hearing the stories behind Australian businesses, make sure you subscribe, leave us a comment and share the episode with someone who loves supporting Australian-grown businesses. Keep supporting local. Keep backing small. Keep it Homegrown.#GoondiwindiCotton #Homegrown #AustralianBusiness #AustralianCotton #Goondiwindi #AustralianAgriculture #RegionalAustralia #CircularCotton #SustainableFashion #FarmToFashion #Brisbane2032 #FamilyBusiness
