Royal Far West, Manly: Kids’ charity teams up with Budgy Smuggler in cheeky fundraising push

A cheeky Aussie cozzie maker, a beloved Sydney children’s charity and an Indigenous artist have teamed up in a unique fundraising collaboration.

Northern beaches artist Skye Burton with her “Yirbamagi Gadhang” artwork created for Royal Far West’s Budgy Smuggler fundraising swimwear range. Picture: Supplied

One of the most cherished — and oldest — children’s charities on the northern beaches has teamed up with a fun fashion label in a unique fundraising collaboration.

Budgy Smuggler, the cheeky Manly-based swimming costume manufacturer, has created a one-off range of cozzies to help raise money for Royal Far West.

Out of every piece of swimwear sold of the limited edition Royal Far West line, 15 per cent of the profit will go straight to the beloved 100-year-old charity based on the Manly seafront.

RFW helps improve the health and wellbeing of country kids up to the age of 12, through a wide range of developmental, mental health and disability support services.

The children can access help from clinicians, including psychiatrists, paediatricians, psychologists, speech pathologists, occupational therapists and other allied health professionals by either staying at its Centre for Country Kids in Manly, or over the internet from their homes.

Country kids at Royal Far West in Manly in 2019. Picture: Julian Andrews

Northern beaches-based Wiradjiri artist Skye Burton came up with the colourful design for the fundraising swimmers.

She said her artwork was a blend of traditional cultural elements with modern expression.

Titled “Yirbamagi Gadhang” — Wiradjuri for “To Go To The Ocean” — it uses the vibrant colours of RFW’s logo to illustrate the migration of Gawura (whales) through Saltwater Country, passing by Manly.

The limited edition Royal Far West swimming costume range on sale by Budgy Smuggler.

The artwork portrays Gawura playfully swimming among coral beds and ocean currents with calves by their side — reflecting the journeys of rural families travelling to Manly so the children can reach their full potential.

“Just like Gawura, these families find time by the ocean to connect, create memories, and experience the natural beauty around them, forming bonds with the land and sea,” Ms Burton said.

The swimwear, made up of mens swimming briefs for $70 and women's thin strap racers for $110 is now available online.

Budgy Smuggler’s marketing head, Bridget de Jong, said the firm was proud to be

partnering with RFW on a range that not only showcased an “amazing Australian

artist, but that also gives back to both our local community and Australian children in need”.

To help Royal Far West, and add a pair of swimmers to the Christmas stocking, click here. The swimmers will also be available in Budgy Smuggler’s Manly store from December 1.