I had the good fortune to visit an unusual exhibition at the Museum of Brisbane last week. It’s on until October so plenty of time to visit.

Its the story of Magpie Goose.The company was founded by Maggie McGowan and Laura Egan in 2015, to create a platform for artists in remote communities to produce fabrics and garments, allowing for the storytelling of Indigenous culture.

 In 2021, the brand was acquired by Amanda Hayman (Wakka Wakka/Kalkadoon) and Troy Casey (Kamilaroi), who continue to uphold the mission of promoting Indigenous artists through fashion.

The brand is named after the iconic Australian bird the magpie goose which is a key food resource and cultural symbol for many Aboriginal communities in northern Australia.

They are conversation starters, a retelling of stories and an education of what First Nations have to offer. This is Graham Badari’s Rock Wallaby and Echidna top, inspired by the high country of the Arnhem Plateau.

Leonie Melpi was from Wadeye, near Darwin. Her pattern is inspired from the beach looking out to the Timor Sea and all that is within it. Look out for crocs!

Annette Sampi said her mother was a linguist and helped prepare the Bardi language Dictionary. She herself learnt it from the old people but it is hard as not many people speak it. She decided to do a language story about the gamaloon (the Bush pear ) on her pattern. And here it is.

Just a small reminder for those who don’t know that the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders or clans in Australia were about 250 when it was first colonised in 1788 with as many as 800 dialects. From 250 languages which existed some 123 now remain.

I am always astounded to see how many groups or mobs exist. It reminds me what a huge country this is.