Six Indigenous-owned businesses to support in Victoria

Gammin Threads produces casual chillwear and accessories that blend pop culture with Indigenous and female empowerment. In line with its brand name ‘Gammin’, a jovial indigenous term meaning ‘joking’, designs are light-hearted and versatile enough to be worn around the house or draw eyes on the streets just the same.

Creator Tahnee Edwards, who also works as an Aboriginal family violence prevention worker, has created lines to be worn ‘just for mob’ and those that are ‘ally friendly’ meaning there is something to be found for everyone. Gammin Threads has regular open sales from its studio in Fitzroy, and you can browse its range here. 

Ngarga Warendj, meaning ‘dancing wombat’, is a family-owned business operating out of Gippsland that makes a range of woodwork, sculpture and gift wear featuring traditional Indigenous designs and symbology. Its handmade chopping boards feature a blend of aesthetics and functionality and are an unmissable addition to any kitchen, combining detailed imprints of Australian flora and fauna set on natural acacia and olivewood. Explore the range on the Ngarga Warendj website.

Created by a Yorta Yorta and Boonwurrung mother in search of sustainable clothing for her daughter, Amber Days is a Melbourne-based ethical children’s wear label that uses natural fabrics and ethical manufacturing processes to minimise the impact on the environment. Products range from patterned casualwear to swimwear, and each collection features collaborations with different Indigenous artists that take inspiration from the Australian bush, desert and sea. Check out the range here.

Translating to ‘women coming together’ in Wemba Wemba language, Kinya Lerrk is the joint endeavour of Indigenous visual artists Megan Van Den Berg and Emma Bamblett. The company incorporates authentic Indigenous art on circular plaques inscribed with messages that acknowledge the Traditional owners of the land. It's a great way to pay respect to Traditional Owners, all the while visually enlivening homes and offices. The customisable range can be found on the Kinya Lerrk website.

Haus of Dizzy is a statement jewellery company run by Wiradjuri woman Kristy Dickinson. Pieces prominently feature messages of Indigenous empowerment and are designed to encourage and celebrate cultural dialogue, while doubling as a bold accessory that compliments any look. Each piece is designed and hand-painted from a Fitzroy studio, and items are sold in multiple stores around Victoria. Check out the range here.

Translating to ‘us’ in a number of Australian Indigenous languages, Ngali is a fashion label founded by Wiradjuri woman Denni Francisco. Many of its pieces feature silk fabrics, and the range includes high-end scarves, tops and dresses designed to last. A portion of proceeds made from each Ngali purchase goes to fund the IT and literacy skills of young people living in remote Aboriginal communities, and the brand has recently opened a store in the Docklands. Check Ngali out here.