Hat : National Paper Salvage Collection Committee, Brisbane

Women's broad brimmed sky blue cotton cesarine summer hat, with a top-stitched self fabric band. The brim and top of the crown are stiffened with interfacing and rows of top stitching. The sides of the crown are cut on the bias.

During the Second World War the Commonwealth Salvage Commission coordinated the collection of materials such as paper, metals and rags, which could be recycled for the war effort, through agents it employed in each state.

In Queensland paper salvage and recycling throughout the state was controlled by the shipping firm Messrs Gibbs, Bright and Co. Each local council area arranged for local paper collection, which was shipped to Brisbane by Gibbs and Bright.
The firm's female employees, who coordinated the paper salvage, wore a distinctive sky blue hat and a matching overall dress with bright yellow buttons.