Four NT creatives celebrated at the National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2025
Four Territorian artists and creative collectives were crowned as winners at this year’s National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2025. SEE WHO WON.
From a shortlist of 38 finalists, seven winners of the prestigious National Indigenous Fashion Awards were crowned at Darwin’s Deckchair Cinema on Wednesday night.
The awards, which recognise and celebrates the innovation of Indigenous designers and creatives, this year spotlighted four of the Territory’s own artists and groups of designers.
Winning the Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award which recognises an “outstanding” young person who is excelling in the fashion or arts industry, was Bunungku woman from Maningrida Cindy Rostron.
The distinguished Indigenous model and passionate youth leader was chosen for bridging two worlds with her connection to her culture and impact on the Australian fashion industry.
Rhonda Sharpe, a Luritja woman and member of Yarrenyty Arltere Artists from Mparntwe, Alice Springs, claimed the Textile Design Award.
She uses her fabric to create soft sculptures, bags, cloths and jewellery from recycled woollen blankets, stitched with wool, cotton, and emu feathers.
Arnhem Land artist Rena Ngalinggama Guyula from Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts won the Traditional Adornment Award for her item Gay’wu made from bush string and fibre from the inner bark of the Kurrajong tree.
Claiming a fourth award for the Northern Territory was Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association x Tiwi Artists for the Community Collaboration Award.
The award recognises strong, two-way relationships between Aboriginal and Torres Strait
Islander communities and the textile and fashion industry.
The artists from Yermalner, Melville Island won for their capsule collection of nine historic fabric designs.
Presented by Indigenous Fashion Projects, the awards are supported by the Northern Territory Government through the Northern Territory Major Events Company.
Indigenous Fashion Projects manager, Michelle Maynard, said the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFAs) were an “incredibly important” moment to be part of.
“It’s wonderful to shine the light on the design skill and talent across our communities, and to nurture the vitality of our creative sector,” she said.
“You get to share in the discovery and awe of the vibrant design landscape, the beautiful and diverse designers, artists, and their stories.
“You really get to feel the depth of cultural connection and belonging being articulated through textiles and fashion, while witnessing the impact of the awards, as the winners share the emotion of what it means to them.”
The NIFAs took place the day after the 10-year anniversary of Country to Couture and were held as part of Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.
The winners, chosen by three judges, will have access to industry partnerships, experience and
financial support from leading fashion industry professionals such as Helen Kaminski.
Meet the winners of the National Indigenous Fashion Awards 2025
Textile Design Award: Rhonda Sharpe, Yarrenyty Arltere Artists from Mparntwe, Alice Springs, Northern Territory
Traditional Adornment Award: Rena Ngalinggama Guyula, Gapuwiyak Culture and Arts from Arnhem Land, Northern Territory
Wearable Art Award: Cleonie Quayle from Merrylands West, New South Wales
Community Collaboration Award: Jilamara Arts and Crafts Association x Tiwi Artists from
Yermalner, Melville Island, Northern Territory
Business Achievement Award: Miimi & Jiinda, Melissa Greenwood from Hyland Place, New South Wales
Fashion Designer Award: Clair Helen Parker from Boorloo, Perth, Western Australia
Cecilia Cubillo Young Achiever Award: Cindy Rostron from Maningrida, Northern Territory
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