Culture meets couture: Kirrikin presents Indigenous Australian fashion in India 

Australian designer label Kirrikin made a vibrant Indian runway debut in New Delhi on 28 October, during its ‘Connection to Country’ fashion show hosted by the Australian High Commission in partnership with the Fashion Design Council of India. The show was a celebration of the creativity, craftsmanship and cultural richness of First Nations Australians. Founded by Wonnarua woman and social entrepreneur Amanda Healy, Kirrikin transforms hand-painted artworks by First Nations artists into elegant luxury clothing. Designed in Australia and crafted in India, Kirrikin represents a tangible demonstration of the success of the Australia-India Economic Cooperation and Trade Agreement. 

The show opened with a powerful cultural ceremony performed by Jack Collar and Jay McClean, representatives of the Noongar Nation from south west Western Australia, setting the tone for an evening that reflected the deep connection of Indigenous Australians to their land, water and nature. Kirrikin’s collection was full of earthy greens, ocean blues and sunlit oranges, evoking the landscapes that inspire Indigenous Australian art. The show underscored the growing creative and cultural exchanges between Australia and India - celebrating sustainability, diversity and design innovation through a shared appreciation of craftsmanship and culture.

- Media Release https://india.highcommission.gov.au/ndli/pa0525.html

(Australian First Nations fashion showcase takes centre stage in Delhi)

Minister the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP’s visit deepens Australian-Indian people-to-people ties and celebrates multiculturalism

Australia’s Minister for Multicultural Affairs, International Development and Small Business, the Hon Dr Anne Aly MP, visited New Delhi from 16 to 17 October 2025 to deepen the strong people-to-people ties that connect Australia and India. During her visit, Minister Aly met with India’s Minister of State for Home Affairs, Kiren Rijiju, to discuss areas of mutual interest and the important contribution of the Australian-Indian diaspora community to Australian society. She also delivered an address at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre, where she spoke about the importance of multiculturalism, and took part in the NDTV Global India Summit, highlighting the strong partnership between our two countries.

Minister Aly visited Birla Temple, Bangla Sahib Gurdwara, Jama Masjid and Rajghat, meeting community and faith leaders and had the opportunity to experience first-hand India’s spiritual and cultural diversity. She also joined the Diwali celebrations at the Australian High Commission, marking the festival of lights. Minister Aly’s visit reflected the close partnership between Australia and India and our strong community ties.

- Minister Aly’ remarks at the Dr Ambedkar International Centre https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/AnneAly/Pages/remarks-dr-ambedkar-international-centre-new-delhi-16102025.aspx

- Minister Aly’s OpEd published in the Hindustan Times (16 Oct) https://minister.homeaffairs.gov.au/AnneAly/Pages/multiculturalism-fundamental-australia-identity.aspx

(Minister Anne Aly joined the Diwali celebrations at the High Commission, marking the festival of lights)

Minister Bowen’s visit strengthens Australia–India Clean Energy Partnership

Australia’s Minister for Climate Change and Energy, the Hon Chris Bowen MP, visited New Delhi from 15-16 October to advance collaboration with India on climate change, renewable energy and the clean energy transition. Minister Bowen met with India’s Minister of New and Renewable Energy, the Hon Pralhad Joshi, to convene the first Renewable Energy Partnership Ministers Meeting, where they released the report of the India–Australia Green Hydrogen Taskforce and discussed progress under the partnership, including the establishment of a Rooftop Solar Training Academy in Gujarat.

At the 5th India–Australia Energy Dialogue, Minister Bowen and India’s Minister of Power, the Hon Manohar Lal, reaffirmed their commitment to strengthen cooperation on renewable energy and the clean energy transition. Minister Bowen also delivered the Australia India Institute Annual Oration, highlighting the growing opportunities for both nations to lead the region’s clean energy transition.

- Media Release https://minister.dcceew.gov.au/bowen/media-releases/strengthening-regional-cooperation 

(Minister Chris Bowen at the Australia India Institute Annual Oration. Picture Credit: AII)