Gumbaynggirr woman Melissa and her mother, Lauren Jarrett, are co-founders of the fashion label Miimi and Jiinda.

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Now in its second year, the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship is dedicated to fostering creativity and providing a platform for Indigenous voices in various creative sectors: music, fashion design, dance, writing, accessory design, film, art painting, digital art, and photography.

The program is about empowerment through providing resources and industry guidance to support their creative aspirations.

Each scholarship recipient will receive $10,000 to further their creative aspirations, provided by Greater Bank, and will be officially announced at an event at Murrook Cultural Centre in Port Stephens on Thursday, 11 July 2024, during NAIDOC Week.

“I am so excited and grateful to have been chosen as a finalist for the Indigenous Storytellers Scholarship,” Melissa told News Of The Area.

“If awarded this scholarship fund, I will definitely be giving back to the community by creating special opportunities for mob.

“Opportunities like these are so important for mob to ensure we continue to close the gap between Indigenous and non-Indigenous creatives and businesses.”

Scholarship Committee Secretary Jack Bailey told NOTA, “The committee was captivated by the work that Melissa submitted in her application.

“Her brand, Miimi and Jiinda, showcases a unique blend of First Nations artistry and contemporary design, making it stand out in this competitive category.

“An Indigenous inspired, hand-painted wedding dress from her collection ‘Yarilla’ was a highlight for the committee, and demonstrated Melissa’s high level of skill and innovation, which are key components in the finalist selection process.”

This year’s talented finalists will receive mentorship from nine esteemed creatives in their field, a lineup featuring Mitch Tambo (world musician), Samantha Harris (international supermodel), Sidney Saltner (Youth Program Director, Bangarra Dance), Professor Chelsea Watego (author of Another Day in the Colony), Kristy Dickinson (Founder of Haus of Dizzy), Stephen Page (Director of Spear), Nicole Chaffey (artist and Museum Gallery Director), Travis De Vries (digital artist and illustrator), and Milly Hooper (photographer and exhibitor at Head On Photo Festival).

These accomplished individuals will play a pivotal role in guiding and inspiring each of the nine finalists, with an aim of nurturing and amplifying Indigenous voices across diverse creative industries.

By Andrea FERRARI