GALI Swimwear is making waves for culture and community

GALI is a 100 per cent Aboriginal owned men’s swimwear label bringing together First Nations culture, art and David’s love of the water. Even the name carries that connection, with “Gali” meaning “water” in Gamilaraay. What started as an idea on Bondi Beach in 2022 has grown into a first of its kind brand bringing our culture into swimwear, fashion and beach spaces.

What I loved about my yarn with David was hearing about the different parts of himself that have shaped the business. As a First Nations man and member of the LGBTQIA+ community, he knows how important it is to see all parts of who you are reflected in the world around you.

That intersection is a big part of the GALI story. Our mob have so many different experiences and identities, and there is something special about seeing a brand make room for them to exist together proudly. GALI is opening up conversations in swimwear, surf and fashion spaces where First Nations and queer representation hasn’t always been visible.

Social media has been a big part of getting GALI in front of people and building a community around the brand. It has given David a way to tell the story in his own words, showcase the swimwear and introduce people to the artists, stories and culture behind each piece.

But David was also really open about the less glamorous side of building a small business.

Production timelines don’t always go to plan, finances can be tight and sometimes you’re trying to manage everything from manufacturing and collections to marketing while working out how to keep the business moving forward.

What stood out to me was David’s dedication to continuing through it all. When you’re a small business, one production delay or unexpected cost can have a much bigger impact. David has had to adapt, problem solve and keep backing what he created, even when things haven’t happened as quickly or smoothly as he might have hoped.

I think there’s something refreshing about hearing a founder speak openly about that. We often see the finished product or the big moments on social media, but not necessarily everything it took to get there. David’s journey is a reminder for other mob wanting to start something of their own that challenges are part of building a business, and sometimes persistence is just as important as the original idea.

Another important part of David’s approach is how GALI works with First Nations artists. This includes respecting Indigenous Cultural and Intellectual Property, often known as ICIP. ICIP recognises First Nations peoples’ rights and responsibilities in relation to their cultural heritage, including art, stories, designs, knowledge and language. Artists receive royalties and community contributions are built into the business model, with David also speaking about the importance of having proper contractual agreements in place. It means there is clarity around how artwork will be used and ensures the artists whose work helps create value for the brand continue to benefit from it. For GALI, putting artists first means recognising that the artwork carries more than a visual design: it holds cultural knowledge, story and connection that must be treated with care.

GALI’s collaboration with TEAMM8 is also a great example of what can happen when larger, established brands genuinely support smaller First Nations businesses. Access to a bigger platform and audience can open new doors, and when that support is done properly, it can amplify what a Blak business is already creating without taking away from its identity or story.

That’s what I’ve loved about these By Mob For Mob yarns, backed by NRMA Insurance. Every founder has taken a different road, and sometimes the most valuable lessons come from hearing about the challenges just as much as celebrating the wins.

For me, David’s story is about knowing why you started, staying true to the people and culture you represent and continuing to back yourself when things get tough.

GALI might have started with a love of water, but David is showing that when you keep swimming, you never know where the current might take you.