Beauty and the Business inspires new events and new careers

Around 200 fashion-goers lined up on the red carpet to attend the inaugural FabIndigenous Fashion Show last month at Karratha Leisureplex.

The event, hosted by award-wining entertainer Ernie Dingo, featured fashion walks by local Indigenous students, peppered with live music and a presentation by history-making former Indigenous model Linda Dridi.

The fashion parade celebrated the efforts of 25 students who completed their training in Business and Digital Media and Retail – Skin and Make Up.

The students were put through their paces courtesy of The Remote Jobs and Communities program as part of YouthCorp, a government initiative facilitated by REFAP to upskill jobseekers. Anna Savill, YouthCorp training manager at REFAP, led the program and finale event and worked alongside the team of participants, culminating in the FabIndigenous fashion show and advancement of young Indigenous people in our region.

Anna said the whole program including the finale event has changed the futures of these young students.

“We started doing the Cert 2 in Business and Digital Media and the Cert 2 in Retail Ð Skin and Make Up,” Anna explained.

“After they finished their certificates the students collaborated and created Beauty and the Business. They wanted to showcase their skills so we created a fashion show and that’s the FabIndigenous fashion show.”

Antoinette Smith, a participant in the program, said she now has a qualification to advance her future.

“It’s built up my skills, I would be doing nothing now if it weren’t for this program,” Antoinette said.

“The event was awesome and meant a lot to me.

“It was a big thing for the girls to be rewarded by REFAP and it shows someone cares and is proud and we’ve done a good job. It was a pat on the back.

“It’s good to encourage young people to bring out their confidence and showcase their skills in their learned area.”

Anna Savill and Taysharn Mongoo coordinated the event and spent a lot of time with the girls ensuring their vision was facilitated.

They said having the fashion show is an incentive for people to be involved in the training side of the program.
Participant Skye Kelly agrees.

“I did my Cert 2 in Business so I learnt a lot there, but with the fashion show we got to learn a lot about each other,” she said.

“The event was a success and my business skills helped me to pull off the event.

“I learnt about time management and now I want to get a job in reception or administration and I want to do further study in business.

“It’s a good opportunity for anyone.”