A deadly duo is highlighting the “art” in “partnership” and creating greater opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders. 

Through its community connectedness program, Manning-based Not For Profit Southcare has partnered with Deadly Denim who creates sustainable and wearable art and in doing so is raising money to fund ongoing training for Indigenous people. 

Southcare’s Op Shop donated a variety of denim clothes to independent fashion co-op Deadly Denim, with the second-hand items being upcycled and sold with monies raised helping the Rhodanthe Lipsett Indigenous Midwifery Charitable Fund. 

Southcare Chief Executive Officer Dr Nicky Howe said the partnership shone a light on the power of community to not only help profile the work of Indigenous artists but also create forward-thinking fashion in a circular economy. 

“Part of the sale of the upcycled denim directly helps Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people qualify as midwives and for them to then remain in the profession,” Dr Howe said. 

“We are thrilled to support this cause because we are all about connecting communities and helping people reach their potential.  The role midwives play in helping to bring new life into this world is one of life’s greatest gifts and we are delighted to help fund their important training, particularly in an Indigenous setting where funding is often more needed.”  

Deadly Denim collaborates with Australian First Nation artists, showcasing their individual designs on digitally and screen-printed fabrics from various Remote Aboriginal art centres. They are then sewn onto the donated denim to create its new life.  

“The art is incredibly intricate and colourful and these designs are one-of-a-kind,” Dr Howe said. 

“The beauty of this kind of partnership is that it is the City of South Perth residents themselves who are directly helping too. 

“The Southcare Op Shop relies heavily on donations from the local community and without their support we simply would not have the denim to donate.”  

Deadly Denim launched in October 2018 when they started selling at markets and as the demand for their unique one of a kind creations grew so did they. 

“While deadly is not atraditional Aboriginal word, it has been adopted by modern Indigenous Australian culture, and means “incredible/excellent/amazing” and we think these creations are exactly that!” Dr Howe said.