There’s nothing worse than a too-tight jacket, so create a little more space by adding extender ribbon loops near the top buttonhole and use a scarf to fasten and cover the space.

This jacket now fits my current shape and is suitably dressy for Parliament House and today’s announcement of the 2014 Queensland RIRDC Rural Women’s Award.

I’m proud to be part of the alumni for this Rural Industries Research and Development Corporation program, as 2010 Queensland runner-up, and enjoy opportunities to catch up with women and men doing great things in the sector.

Even though I live in the city, I feel connected to the bush because of my rural heritage, education and advocacy work. In fact we all have connection to rural because that is where our food and fibre comes from – and we need to be increasingly aware of that.

We know food fresh from the farm is vital for health and wellbeing – and over-consumption of refined food/fast food is rapidly increasing health issues such as obesity, type 2 diabetes, heart disease and some cancers. In a similar way, natural fibre clothing next to skin enables our biggest organ to breathe more comfortably than wrapped in petroleum or plastic-derived garments.

But there’s growing concern about the planet’s ability to continue feeding and clothing our burgeoning population of 7.2 billion people because of anthropogenic (human-induced) climate change. Even fourth-generation wool growers such as Andrew Burgess from ‘Ruby Hills’ at Walcha New South Wales are stepping out as self-described climate change warriors.

My little contribution is modelling ways that we, as individuals, can upcycle existing clothing from our wardrobes to save us always buying new.

This red silk peplum jacket I bought at a second-hand clothing market in Brunswick Heads because of the striking colour and despite the buttons being a little tight. I’ve solved that problem without having to spoil the integrity of the garment by sewing on loops of ribbon on either side of the jacket and just under the top button. This enables me to thread through my Rural Press Club silk scarf which I wear proudly as a life member.

For underneath the jacket, I trimmed the extended roll collar of an op shop top then turned it under and sewed in place, and a long wool knit navy skirt which is comfy to wear and covers a multitude of sins.