Moorditj Yoka Dreaming Fashion Show

PERTH, Western Australia, 17 July 2012 - Fortescue proudly supported the Langford Aboriginal Association when they brought their third annual Moordiditj Yoka Dreaming Fashion Show to the Perth Town Hall. The evening was a great opportunity for Aboriginal women to showcase their designs and promote messages of empowerment and self-esteem.

Sharon Wilkes, Fortescue’s Aboriginal Sourcing Officer attended the event and explained that Moorditj means best or perfect, and that Yoka means girl or woman. Sharon also provided the following overview of the evening:

“Langford Aboriginal Association (LAA) has been having women’s networking meetings, classes and groups continually for the past five years.  It has become stronger in the last three years, hence the request for a women’s fashion show to lift the profile of the local Aboriginal women and encourage empowerment and high self-esteem.

“The venue of the Perth Town Hall was perfect for the setting. The women and girls in the fashion show ranged from 12 – 70 years old.  There were 22 models, all with different aspirations and dreams; from doctors, zoo animal doctors, neo-natal paediatricians and retiring grandmothers. There were also students who want to complete Year 12 and enter university, then start a career in the mining industry.

“Narelda Jacobs from Network Ten emceed the night and brought it all together.  Singer/Songwriter Ulla Shay (formerly known as Candice Lorrae) provided excellent acoustic song. Michael Smith and Cathy Brayshaw from the WA Academy of Performing Arts also provided visual stage show performances.  Drinks and nibbles were on offer and customer service was superb. 

“The winning model of the night was Cynthia Barrett, she was awarded by Miss NAIDOC 2012, Rachel Visser and the winning designer was Joan Dellavalle with her brand Giovanna Dellavalle. All of the models that modelled received their ball gown/evening dress as a gift from the designer.

“All in all a good event and great that Fortescue could contribute in this way toward empowering Aboriginal women from all ages and all walks of life.”