Black, Bold And Beautiful, First Nations women’s event set to return to Brisbane

Phoebe Blogg Published March 7, 2024 at 11.30am (AWST)

qld

Models walking the runway at one of Black Bold & Beautful's fashion parades. (Image: supplied)

Recognised as Australia's premier celebration of First Nations fashion, business and culture, the Black Bold and Beautiful Luncheon is returning to Brisbane for its infamous event in 2024.

Set to take place on March 11 at the Brisbane Convention and Exhibition Centre, the event marks International Women's Day in a way that celebrates, promotes and supports First Nations communities, culture, business and creativity.

Featuring a fashion parade, guest speakers, food and a unique showcase of First Nations businesses from across the state, the luncheon strives to educate and inform guests all whilst providing and enjoyable and engaging atmosphere.

First launched in 2009, the event continues to be driven by founder Aunty Sandra King OAM, who was notably among the country's first prominent First Nations fashion models in the 1970s.

As founder and event curator, King explains that the Black Bold and Beautiful (BBB) Luncheon event provides a forum for First Nations women and non-Indigenous women to come together and network, invest and inspire each other.

"Recognising and promoting the achievements of our First Nation women is our key focus at BBB. It is also necessary to celebrate the support, unity, and reconciliation between Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and the wider community," she said.

"Through this event we want people to be informed, be inspired, and be empowered."

*Event flyer for the 2024 Black Bold and Beautiful (BBB) Luncheon event. Image: supplied)*

With each year's event centred around a different theme, this year's event theme is 'Navigating Challenges'.

This topic was chosen following discussions at community meetings and support workers groups, with First Nation women who have taken on various challenges throughout their careers, personal and social lives.

Hosted by Logie award-winning journalist Karina Hogan, guests will be guided through the events program.

The luncheon's fashion parade will showcase creations from First Nations designers from around the country including Jarawee Designs, Red Ridge, Koori Threads, Elverina Designs, Murrii Quu Couture, and Delvene Cockatoo-Collins.

The luncheon also offers exhibitor stalls for First Nations businesses and organisations to display their products or services and network with one another alongside attendees.

The event will proceed to feature a live performance from acclaimed soul singer Rochelle Pitt Watson – a Quandamooka and Meriam woman – who was a finalist on the Australian television show X Factor and has received many awards for her soulful voice.

*Models walking the runway at one of Black Bold & Beautiful's fashion parades. (Image: supplied)*

When deciding who would feature as guest speakers, King and the team were confident in choosing women who were succeeding in their field, striving to empower First Nations woman all whilst acting as an inspiration to woman of all nationalities and cultural backgrounds.

Guest speakers set to take to the stage at the BBB Luncheon include Lillian Lampton (also known as Mum Lil), Dr Jackie Huggins AM FAHA, Nicole Reilly and Janaya Johnston.

Despite working across different fields these woman are coming to together to partake and speak at an event which will assist in greater opportunity, confidence and support for First Nations women and their community.

Returning long-time sponsor Virgin Airlines have also kindly donated 1st Prize for the raffle, helping to raise funds for the Bahloo Women's Youth Shelter and Sisters Inside Inc.

As Australia's premier celebration of First Nations fashion, business and culture, in 2024 the Black Bold and Beautiful Luncheon is set to host yet another engaging and educating event.

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