We spoke to Fi, the Strong Womens' Centre manager, and Jacinta, the artist behind our Boab Nut and Croc farm prints, about how the collaboration has been for them.
A call from Kalumburu
We just got a call from Kalumburu, and we really wanted to share some of our conversation with you
Fi shared: "The biggest thing (I've observed) has been the empowerment it's brought. The women who are involved in the project feel very proud of what they’ve done and what they’ve achieved. It’s a step up. No one - before 2018 - would have thought there’d be a Kalumburu fashion collection! It’s amazing.
I've been showing the artists the Magpie Goose Facebook and Instagram page. I send photos through saying ‘look you're famous!’ - like Rosa’s shirt was on TV! That aspect of it getting out to the world has just been amazing for them. To have that sort of reach, and for their art to be held to that standard.
The whole collection and experience, the financial benefits, has been so empowering for the women. I can see their pride."
We asked Jacinta how she felt about the collaboration:
"It’s all been so good. I feel proud. I cant wait to get the shirt with my designs (in the post!) - so i can wear it around the community and show off with it!"
Jacinta: “With the first money I got - I bought myself a new washing machine. My old one was broken. I’ve also been able to pay my rent, and pay my water bill. That was really helpful for me.”
Fi: “Rosa bought a washing machine too! Those big ticket items cost twice as much out here because of the transport. And the artists have been buying things for their kids. And travelling to see family in other communities has been part of that financial windfall as well. But at the end of the day money comes and goes - it’s the empowerment aspect - that’s what I see."
Finally Fi and Jacinta wanted to say a big thank you to the Magpie Goose community for supporting this collaboration.
In Fi's words: “Magpie Goose has been a big part of the Kalumburu Strong Women’s Art Collective success; the power you’ve given to the artists. People believe things are possible now. We’ve opened up a pop up shop in Broome.
The women really do believe that the skies are the limit - and that has a lot to do with Magpie Goose.
I can't tell you how much I love what the Magpie Goose community has done for this community. Thank you."
And Jacinta says: “I just want people who are wearing my design to wear it proudly. And remember me when they’re wearing my designs. And I'll be happy for them to wear it. It’s good to see them walking around with it."
Thanks to you all for being a part of this impact creation! You make it all possible!
- Team Magpie Goose