NAIDOC fashion show shines spotlight on youth wellbeing

Shannon BeattiePilbara News
Camera IconMilly Evans, 11 and Kylah Carson, 11, at the 2019 NADIOC Fashion Show in Roebourne. Credit: Shannon Beattie

Young indigenous models took to the catwalk during NAIDOC Week as part of a fashion show held in Roebourne.

The show, which was part of the Community Concert on July 14, saw 18 models between the ages of nine and 22 take to the stage and strut their stuff.

The parade was a collaborative project between Sandra Spadanuda, from the Blue Beanie Project, and Chanti McHenry, from Goolarri Media.

Camera IconTreinaya Phillips Credit: Shannon Beattie
Camera IconWendyl Alec and Gleno Burton, both 9. Credit: Pilbara News, Shannon Beattie
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Ms Spadanuda said Goolarri Media ran the Pilbara Girl competition, which Ms McHenry won back in 2014.

“This is the first event we’ve done together and we really wanted to put young indigenous kids in the spotlight,” she said.

The show ended up featuring 18 participants, with all bar one being Aboriginal.

Camera IconElizabeth Black, 9, at the 2019 NADIOC Fashion Show in Roebourne. Credit: Shannon Beattie
Camera IconShelley O’Donoghue, 14, at the 2019 NADIOC Fashion Show in Roebourne. Credit: Shannon Beattie

The Blue Beanie Project runs the Pilbara Shine project, which Ms Spadanuda said was all about building young people’s self-esteem.

“We try to build their social and emotional wellbeing, resilience and connection to community and through modelling and fashion shows,” she said.

Camera IconOrielle Drill, 16 and Jacinta Coppin at the 2019 NADIOC Fashion Show in Roebourne. Credit: Shannon Beattie
Camera IconMajella Lethbridge, 11, at the 2019 NADIOC Fashion Show in Roebourne. Credit: Shannon Beattie

Ms Spadanuda said the decision was made to do the show for NAIDOC Week because they believed it was important to celebrate local Aboriginal culture and people.

“Through both of our projects we both work with young people who are Aboriginal, so it was important to recognise and celebrate them,” she said.

Camera IconIesha Evans, 9, at the 2019 NADIOC Fashion Show in Roebourne. Credit: Shannon Beattie
Camera IconAngelina Sibosado. Credit: Pilbara News

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