More than 1000 distinguished guests from the design, architecture, engineering and business sectors gathered for the Australian Good Design Awards at Sydney's International Convention Centre on Friday.
The awards highlighted how design not only enhances functionality and aesthetics but further contributes significantly to business success and social progress.
The 2024 awards ceremony spotlighted excellence across 12 Design Disciplines, covering more than 32 Categories. This year's entries were evaluated by more than 80 distinguished jurors from around the globe, including designers, engineers, architects, and industry leaders.
Among the standout winners was Indigenous Social Enterprise Magpie Goose. Winning big thanks to their 'From Yarn to Yarn: Collaborating with Communities to Create Aboriginal Fashion', Magpie Goose received a prestigious Good Design Award Gold Winner Accolade in the Fashion Impact category for exceptional design and innovation, and a Best in Class Award.
This recognition is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and incredible stories of the Indigenous artists and communities with whom Magpie Goose collaborate to create their clothing, and the potential for positive impact through fashion.
The jury praised the application, 'From Yarn to Yarn: Collaborating with Communities to Create Aboriginal Fashion' sharing that the recent collaboration by Magpie Goose supports artists economically as well as fostering reconciliation and employing eco-friendly processes.
"Magpie Goose, an Aboriginal-owned enterprise, collaborates with artists to transform contemporary Aboriginal art into accessible fashion. The Ewyenper Atwatye collection showcases bold Central Desert designs, hand screen-printed on natural-fibre Australian-made garments. This partnership not only supports artists economically but also fosters reconciliation and employs eco-friendly processes. The Jury applauds this project as a pinnacle of fashion where personal expression and empowerment intertwine," the jury said in a joint statement.
"It is a glowing example of how equity and self-determination can drive business innovation and cultural impact. The Jury believes this initiative has a transformative potential that extends beyond fashion, serving as a model to inspire change across the creative industries."
In 2024, Magpie Goose continues to be recognised for collaborations with artists in regional and remote Australia to transform contemporary Aboriginal art into fashion. Having the ability to share unique stories of culture and Country through bold and engaging designs - which are hand screen printed onto a collection of natural-fibre garments – is something the team at Magpie Goose are inherently known for.
New economic opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people are created through artwork licensing and engaging Indigenous service providers in the community, and hiring photographers and models to bring artwork stories to life.
When discussing Magpie Goose's recent collection, this year's collaboration is with Ewyenper Atwatye (Hidden Valley) Town Camp artists from Mparntwe (Alice Springs) - working closely with the team at Tangentyere Artists.
Each artist's designs act as a creative outlet, sharing diverse and positive perspectives of identity. The intricate garments also enable the broader community to learn about, connect with and celebrate Aboriginal culture and craft.
Magpie Goose's owner and director, Amanda Hayman, attended the ceremony sharing she and the team are thrilled to receive the Good Design Award for Magpie Goose.
"We are incredibly honoured to receive the Good Design Award for Magpie Goose. This recognition is a testament to the creativity, resilience, and incredible stories of the Indigenous artists and communities we collaborate with. At the heart of Magpie Goose is a commitment to showcasing bold, original designs that celebrate Aboriginal culture and elevate Indigenous voices through fashion. This award validates our vision and motivates us to continue pushing boundaries and creating sustainable, socially impactful fashion that empowers communities," she said.
Managing Director of Good Design Australia, Rachel Wye said the 2024 awards showcased the exceptional design practices of Australian creatives.
"This year's Awards reflect the profound ripple effects that exceptional design can have on people, place and planet. The projects honoured in these Awards exemplify how thoughtful design can drive meaningful change, not only enhancing user experiences and the way people interact with the world, but also contributing to a more sustainable and more prosperous future," she said.
"The Australian Good Design Awards are proud to recognise the truly inspirational work being done across different design disciplines, sectors and industries in Australia and overseas."
Magpie Goose garments are available through Magpie Goose's website and the flagship store on King St, Bowen Hills, in Brisbane.
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