The National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFAs) have returned to beautiful Larrakia Country for another year.
The NIFAs showcase leading and emerging Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers, artists and creatives.
From a shortlist of 36 finalists, seven winners have been announced, who will have the opportunity to gain access to industry, partnerships, mentoring and financial support.
Textile Design Award: Jay Jurrupula Rostron
A Kune, Dalabon and Rembarrngga woman from the Barappa clan, Jay Jurrupula Rostron grew up in Korlobidahdah outstation, two hours from Maningrida.
At 41 years old, she's proud to have won her first award, recognising her immense talent.
Ms Rostron's father taught her how to paint and make rock art and her mother taught her how to weave.
She's now an artist at Bábbarra Women's Centre, where she creates all of her designs and loves catching up with the other women.
"Sometimes we make tea and we make jokes ... We're working together and laughing and having fun," she said.
Ms Rostron's reaction to finding out she won the textile award was a big, cheerful 'yay'.
"I'm so happy now. I'm really proud," she smiled.
Traditional Adornment Award: Philomena Yeatman
Gunggandji woman Philomena Yeatman won the Traditional Adornment Award.
A renowned weaver at Yarrabah Arts and Cultural Precinct, Ms Yeatman was taught how to weave by her grandmother.
"I spent most of my growing up with my grandmother and my grandfather because my mum was sick," she said.
"I love weaving because it keeps my mind occupied and I just wanted to carry on what my grandmother taught me.
"It's good to keep culture alive."
For Ms Yeatman, her win was an emotional achievement.
"I'm so happy and proud ... for my grandmother after all these things that she taught me," she said, with tears of pride.
"She was always there when I was doing my weaving.
"I know she's there, I feel it. My grandmother will always be in my heart."
Wearable Art Award: Lillardia Briggs-Houston
Wiradjuri Yorta Yorta Gangalu artist and fashion designer Lillardia Briggs-Houston took home the Wearable Art Award.
Ms Briggs-Houston wanted to create clothing that told a story and represented her and her people.
"This is displaying who I am, who my family is, where I'm from ... you're not just wearing garments, you're wearing something that you can connect to.
"I would always rotate through styles and I never found something that felt like me. Now the clothes I create are for women like me," she said.
Community Collaboration Award: Melissa Greenwood, Miimi & Jiinda x Gilat Shani, Unreal Fur
The Community Collaboration Award went to Gumbaynggirr Dunghutti Bundjalung woman Melissa Greenwood, half of Miimi & Jiinda.
"That's really incredible. I was not expecting it at all, I was just stoked to be nominated," Ms Greenwood said.
Fashion Designer Award: Simone Arnol
Gunggandji Yarrabah artist and designer Simone Arnol says that her designs connect mob to their ancestors.
"It's important to have the stories in the designs because it weaves our ancestors in to the now," she said.
When Ms Arnol found out she had won the award, she was left speechless.
"I can't even talk. My heart is singing.
"To be able to proudly say that I've won that award, I just feel so honoured and humbled," she said.
Young Achiever Award: Kahlia Rogers
Kahlia Rogers' journey started when she walked in Darwin Art Fair's Country to Couture runway in 2020. That opportunity was a catalyst for her modelling career, leading her to Paris Fashion Week.
The young Walmajarri, Gooniyandi, Bunuba and Martu woman from Wangkatjungka won the Young Achiever Award.
"This means so much to me. I haven't even told my family that I've been nominated and I'm finding out now that I've actually won ... they're going to be so stoked.
"I have felt so inspired by all the amazing artists and designers from across Australia tonight and I feel proud to represent my family and community," she said.
Business Achievement Award: Ngali, Denni Francisco
Wiradjuri woman Denni Francisco from Ngali won the Business Achievement Award.
"I see [fashion] as a powerful medium for creating social change.
"Thank you ... that's fantastic. I don't know what to say but I'm incredibly grateful."
