Buluuy Mirrii, led by Gomeroi designer and artist Colleen Tighe, was selected by the Australian Fashion Council to participate in the 2026 AFC Global Gateways program in Hong Kong. The initiative connected the First Nations fashion label with more than 115 international buyers and provided access to high-profile media, government representatives and a DFAT Consul-General reception.
Colleen participated in buyer negotiations and developed her skills in pitching, business operations, supply-chain planning and logistics. This strengthened the label’s capacity to secure business-to-business opportunities and expand into Asian markets.
The project further developed Buluuy Mirrii’s capabilities in export readiness, pricing and profit margins, intellectual property protection, international market positioning, logistics and supply-chain management. Its longer-term goal was to share First Nations cultural stories globally through fashion while creating sustainable business growth, employment pathways and intergenerational opportunities.
To build on this work, Buluuy Mirrii planned a community engagement component in Tamworth. The label is inviting women from Tamworth and surrounding communities, including First Nations women, to take part in a model casting call on Thursday 12 November 2026, followed by a model workshop on the morning of Friday 13 November 2026. The workshop is designed to help new and emerging models build runway experience and confidence, and no prior modelling experience is needed.
Selected models will take part in the Return to Country Fashion Show at Tamworth Regional Gallery on Friday 13 November 2026, from 6pm to 9pm. The show celebrates First Nations fashion, culture and creativity in Tamworth and gives local women the chance to wear Buluuy Mirrii designs.
.png)
.avif)