At 54, Young’s Marie-Louise Tucker-Nethery took the plunge and enrolled in a certificate III at Wodonga TAFE before continuing on to a certificate IV in clothing production.

Although she’s been handy with a sewing machine and needle and thread since school, Mrs Tucker-Nethery’s passion for costumes and creation is relatively new. 

“I wouldn’t say I’ve sewn all my life, but I’m retired now and saw the opportunity to get formal qualifications and learn about clothing constructions and pattern drafting,” she said. 

“I really enjoy the creativity, you have something to show for your effort at the end of it – as long as it doesn’t all go wrong! When I was younger I was passionate about fashion but now I’m leaning more towards costume design, curating and fashion history.”

Mrs Tucker-Nethery’s work drew plenty of attention at the Wodonga Tafe’s FUSE student exhibition.

But she said she didn’t intend to produce theatrical wear or wow anyone, she was just “plodding along”.

“My collection was inspired by my interest in history, especially the Elizabethan times and English Elizabethan county gardens, it’s something a bit different,” she said.

“Embroidery featured very heavily through Elizabethan times through to Jacobean.”

Mrs Tucker-Nethery said it was important residents recognised the importance of Wodonga TAFE, locally and broadly.

“The TAFE is a hidden treasure in the border area,” she said.

“As in any community you wont miss it until it’s gone but the community needs to support it now as it’s the only place to do fashion in the Riverina and if you like in NSW now you have to go to Sydney.”

Mrs Tucker-Nethery’s work and other student’s designs in graphics, photography, visual arts and building design will be on display at the TAFE’s The Valleys Restaurant from Monday to Tuesday 5 December.