9 November 2023
Sustainability

Background: Established in 2020 by the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation in partnership with David Jones, the Pathways Program is a two-year fashion label development program that brings together Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander designers with fashion industry leaders to develop their skills, build stronger businesses and help raise awareness and the profile of First Nations designers.

Execution: In 2023, the program has returned to nurture and oversee the designs of seven First Nations creatives, with six showcasing their designs instore at David Jones. The six brands who chose to showcase and sell their garments at David Jones include Gali Swimwear, Miimi and Jiinda, Joseph & James, Kamara, Gammin Threads and Lazy Girl Lingerie.Aside from celebrating the IFP program and this year's selected designers, Tuesday's event was also held to formally reveal David Jones second innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

Impact: Since 2006, RAPs have provided a framework for organisations to leverage their structures and diverse spheres of influence to support the national reconciliation movement. With close to 5mn people now either working or studying in an organisation with a RAP, the program's potential for impact is greater than ever. David Jones continues to be part of a strong network of corporate, government and not-for-profit organisations that have taken goodwill and transformed it into action.