Apparel-printing equiopment manufacturer Epson Australia has both extended its landmark technology and sustainability agreement with First Nations Fashion + Design (FNFD), a not-for-profit indigenous peoples organization created to promote the growth of the indigenous fashion sector, and also launched what the two organizations are calling the FNFD Designer-in-Residency Program.
According to Epson Australia managing director, Craig Heckenberg, “Our extended relationship with FNFD and the launch of the Designer-in-Residency Program is a result of a natural extension of our partnership that allows Epson Australia to play a key role in a number of FNFD strategic initiatives, which support and empower emerging First Nation fashion and textile designers in Cairns and the surrounding regions.”
FNFD founder and chairperson, Grace Lillian Lee said, “The Designer-in-Residency Program is such an important opportunity to provide deep, tailored support for emerging First Nations designers. This year’s recipients bring unique talent and vision to the program, and we look forward to walking alongside them as they continue their creative journeys.”
The first of the program’s two inaugural recipients, Ivy Minniecon, is a descendant of the Kuku Yalanji, Kabi Kabi, Gooreng Gooreng and South Sea Islander nations whose art is deeply rooted in her cultural heritage. The primary focus of her work is the Yalanji weave of the balji, a traditional bag made from the kakan of the duwar (Black Palm), native to the Daintree Rainforest. Her weaving practice has also incorporated traditional grass skirts.
“I am grateful to God and my ancestors for leading my path into places I have only dreamed of. This opportunity is a dream come true and divine timing as I have always wanted to contribute to the First Nation Fashion Industry,” Minniecon said.
The other recipient, Lisa Lui, is a Dauareb woman and fashion designer from the Eastern Torres Strait Islands who recently captivated audiences at the Cairns Indigenous Art Fair with her abstract art collections “Nener” in 2024 and “Bulubulu” in 2025. Inspired by a deep connection to her heritage and the memory of her late father and mother, Lui said her work serves as an homage to the cultural legacy she carries and a reminder of the importance of preserving the land for future generations.
“I am truly blessed for this opportunity to be part of the residency program with FNFD and Epson. Fashion is something that I always wanted to explore. It is a privilege and honor to be able to share my Torres Strait culture through fashion and art,” Lui said.
For more on FNFD and the Designer-in-Residency Program, which is funded and fully supported by Epson and includes a broad curriculum of classes and training in cultural and creative research, digital textile design exploration and printing technical development, click here.
For more on Epson Australia and is parent company Epson Corp., a global leader in a wide variety of printing technologies, including apparel and textile printing, click here.
