Bidyadanga fashion project brings learning, creativity and community together

Fourteen women from the Bidyadanga community have taken part in a community-led fashion and runway project through the Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program, culminating in a catwalk showcase at Bidgy Fest on 15 July 2026.

The project grew from the aspirations of local women who had attended the Kimberley Aboriginal Fashion and Textile Aboriginal Corporation Festival in Broome over several years and wanted to further develop their own skills in fashion, textiles and event delivery.

Through the Australian Government-funded SEE Program, delivered by Vocational Training Services (VTS), participants received practical training and mentoring in garment design and production. They developed skills in taking measurements, creating and adapting patterns, cutting fabric, sewing, garment construction, repairs, alterations, fitting and original design.

WAJAYI Artistry also delivered professional make-up training, giving participants the opportunity to build new skills and then put them into practice by preparing models for the festival runway.

Learning through a real community project

Language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills were embedded throughout the project in practical ways.

Participants strengthened literacy skills by following instructions, interpreting patterns and documenting designs. Numeracy was developed through measuring, calculating fabric requirements and adjusting patterns, while digital skills were incorporated through the use of design and project-related resources.

By connecting foundation skills to a shared creative goal, the project provided a culturally relevant and engaging learning experience shaped around the interests and aspirations of participants.

A community celebration

Family and community were central to the final showcase, with garments modelled by participants, children and other family members.

Participant Marika Jadai said:

“I love designing and making new clothes. I love sewing and learning new things. I really enjoyed myself.”

Corina Jadai described the pride she felt seeing the finished garments on the runway:

“It felt great making clothes with our printed fabric — painting Country and getting to wear and walk with Country.”

She also reflected on the make-up workshop and family involvement:

“I enjoyed doing the make-up workshop with Toni and her team, then putting make-up on the kids. Seeing the kids on the runway, I felt proud with everyone walking down.”

Madeleine Jadai said the collaborative nature of the project was one of its strongest elements:

“As women, we do things together for our families and our Community.”

Seen through participants’ eyes

Current VTS participants Kiarah Mandijalu and Tahlia Badal experienced the project from both a participant and professional perspective.

In the lead-up to the festival, both made clothing for the first time and took part in the make-up workshop. They were also engaged as photographers to document Bidgy Fest, capturing the event from the perspective of people who had been part of the project themselves.

Their photographs help tell the story of the creativity, pride and community involvement that defined the project.

Building skills through community partnerships

The Bidyadanga fashion and runway project demonstrates how foundation skills can be developed through practical, community-led learning.

By working with local organisations and specialist partners, VTS is able to deliver the SEE Program in ways that connect learning to real activities, community priorities and future opportunities.

The result is learning that is not only practical, but meaningful to the people taking part.

Photo credit: Kiarah Mandijalu and Tahlia Badal

About the SEE Program
Vocational Training Services delivers the Australian Government-funded Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program across the Gascoyne, Pilbara, West Kimberley and East Kimberley regions of Western Australia. VTS works with local communities and organisations to support adults to strengthen language, literacy, numeracy and digital skills through practical, culturally relevant learning.

The Skills for Education and Employment (SEE) Program is funded by the Australian Government Department of Employment and Workplace Relations.