Target Australia has unveiled a new First Nations design, titled 'Family Tides of Unity,' across their Deadly Store Network, created in collaboration with young Indigenous designers.
Kanolu and Gungarri man, Leigh Harris, Co-Founder of Indigenous Design Labs, and Director of ingeous studios, expressed the significance of the project.
"It's rare for regional creatives in Australia to have the chance to design for major companies, which made it especially meaningful for the aspiring young designers from Indigenous Design Labs to create a unique piece that captures Target's Reconciliation journey," Mr Harris said.
The design represents Target's effort to bring Indigenous cultures into their stores nationwide.
"This design brings First Nations cultures into their stores across Australia, creating something we can all take pride in and that people who shop at Target can enjoy every day," he added.
'Family Tides of Unity' is a visual representation of Target's commitment to creating welcoming spaces for all and is part of the company's Deadly Stores program, which aligns with Wesfarmers' Elevated Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).
The artwork celebrates and supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and will be displayed in Target's 36 Deadly Stores, starting with Cairns City in Far North Queensland, and in both internal and external communications.
Target's Deadly Store Network aims to strengthen cultural awareness and community connections, providing safe spaces for both team members and customers.
The program also promotes Indigenous employment through specialised training and fostering local partnerships.
Target's Indigenous employment representation is 3.7 per cent, and the Kmart Group, which includes Target, employs over 2200 First Nations people, representing 4.8 per cent of its workforce.
Tristram Gray, Target's Chief People and Capability Officer, praised the Deadly Store Network as a key factor in achieving these employment milestones.
"Our stores are designed to be culturally safe spaces, both for our customers and our team members, and this incredible project with local youth in Cairns helps us bring that connection to life," Mr Gray said.
Mr Gray further emphasised the impact of celebrating Indigenous culture through Target's national platform.
"With our national reach, we have a unique opportunity to celebrate Indigenous culture, by sharing positive stories across our stores to inspire and educate customers and team members and having open pathways to creating meaningful employment," he said.
"These elements are key to creating a lasting positive impact, for individuals, their families and communities."
The design includes elements of knowledge sharing and healing, alongside the eight Reconciliation pillars: institutional acceptance, relationships, race relations, historical acceptance, equality, equity, respect, unity, and opportunity.
The family icon at the centre of the design reflects Target's commitment to improving the lives of families across Australia.
