MOTHER AND DAUGHTER TEAM HELP THEIR CULTURE TO THRIVE

The passion Melissa Greenwood feels for her Aboriginal culture is palpable.

The young mum has teamed up with her own mother, Lauren Jarrett, to run the business Miimi and Jiinda, an Australian art business, which they have been doing successfully for the past five years.

“My mum and I had a market stall where we would sell our artwork,” said Melissa.

“Then I did my first solo exhibition in my sister-in-law’s café and it was a huge success as we sold out on the first day.” owned and lived in their homes found alternative accommodation. Only a brave few, or those who had no choice, moved back into their damaged homes, making themselves as comfortable as was possible.

Their big break came, however, when Melissa was commissioned to do an art piece for The Block contestants, Deb and Andy.

Slowly, the community returned. Helped along by the government’s caravan roll out, but also because many worked hard to get their

Communities are important NEWS BRIEFS

best foodies, craft beer stands enjoying an entertainment lineup including Nathan Beretta, The Ford Brothers, Anna & Jed, Tullara Connors, Micka Scene and The Ninth Chapter.

It’s on at the GDSC, 105 Mary St, Grafton, from around noon. Entry is free.

Courts First Trial

The community has wasted no time trying out the refurbished basketball courts at J J

Theirs had been riddled with asbestos, had found it hard to get a cabinet maker and builder and only now are ready to move back in.

It is a cause for celebration.

It now means, instead of the silent empty streets, we hear kids playing and neighbours talking or playing their music. Not something to really complain about anymore.

Lawrence Fields, South Grafton.

The $200,000 upgrade will host one its first official event on April 21, Beats, BBQ & Basketball from 10am to 3pm on Friday as part of Youth Week 2023. Along with skills, drills and games on the courts, the event will also feature songwriting workshops with Mad Proppa Deadly, a free barbecue and plenty of other fun interactive activities run by local services.

“Andy is Biripi, a neighbouring tribe to us as we are Gumbaynggir,” said Melissa.

“I found out I had four days to complete the art work. It had to be painted, stretched, framed and delivered.

“I was determined so I painted for 10 hours a day non-stop.

“My knees and body were so sore but we pulled it off and got it delivered on the fourth day.”

From there, the business sky-rocketed. The mother and daughter team have now diversified their business into fashion for women and children and Melissa is also an author.

“I am writing and illustrating my third children’s book through Harper Collins and each book is translated into English and Gumbaynggir.”

This is where Melissa’s passion for her business shines through.

“I am living and breathing my culture,” she said.

“It’s not only important to keep culture alive, but showing people that it’s thriving.”

And thriving it is, with licencing collaborations with fashion businesses, Adairs and Seed and skincare company Jurlique in the pipeline.

“We are also about to launch our high end fashion line at the David Jones Fashion Week in May,” said Melissa. Check out Miimi and Jiinda products at miimiandjiinda.com

We require an experienced Trade Sample Machinist with a high skill level, able to read and understand trade manufacturing pattern making Developing garments from toiles to finished International and local selling samples that will then be shown on the catwalk These are high end women s wear garments being made in linen silk satin and laces from swimwear dresses to tailoring Initially we would love you to work from our studio in Ocean Shores and some training can be given through our Pattern Maker Ideally you must be familiar with and have Industrial Sewing Machines and once trained to our standards, if preferred there is capability to work from home

Please contact:

Angelique Gordon

+61 482 175 083 info@miimiandjiinda com