Liandra Gaykamangu on the meaning behind her swimwear designs

Carla GrossettiBy Carla Grossetti
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For a snapshot in time, we asked eight people around the country to reflect on Australia Now. Here, Liandra Gaykamangu, Creative Director & Founder of Liandra Swim in the NT, shares her thoughts on what the global pandemic has taught her.

Keep reading our Australia Now series here.

You were born in East Arnhem Land, but moved to Wollongong in 2000 with your mum. What drew you back to the Northern Territory?

Dad passed away in December 2019 when I was eight months pregnant with my third baby. When I returned home for his funeral, I found it comforting to have my wider family around me. I also wanted my kids to know their family, culture and language and thought it would be good for them to spend time in East Arnhem Land learning who they are. There was always an expectation in my family that I would achieve as much as I could and then bring that back to my community and make a positive impact. My parents always pushed me to achieve. When I left high school for university, Dad said to me: “Don’t forget who you are and where you’re from. Come home when you’re ready." After his passing, it felt right on a personal and professional level to make the move.

East Arnhem Land secluded beach
The remote beaches of East Arnhem Land in the NT. (Image: Tourism NT/Hayley Anderson)

You have a teaching degree. Why swimwear?

My mum remarried a surfer and we spent a lot of our family time on the beach. The ocean is a naturally comforting place for me; I am a Yolngu woman, and it is integral to our culture and livelihoods. I love swimwear and it felt like a comfortable place for me to use fashion and wrap it in education and give people an opportunity to learn about Indigenous women, our culture and stories. My swimwear is an extension of what I care deeply about. It’s who I am.

Model wears Tara Top and Tara Bottom from the Liandra Swim Community Collection
Tara Top and Tara Bottom from the Liandra Swim Community Collection. (Image: Tim Henry)

What are you most proud of with Liandra Swim?

My swimwear is wrapped up in all the things I love – it merges tradition with sustainability and education. I am really proud of my partnership with David Jones and our first runway at Afterpay Australia Fashion Week. I am also really proud of our growing Liandra Swim community and love seeing women wearing Liandra Swim.

Tell us about your new line, the Community Collection?

I wanted to put the focus on my beautiful Milingimbi Island. This collection is inspired by the landscape and my experience of being from there. My hand-drawn prints are a contemporary take on Aboriginal art and culture. I have some incredible artist family members who I look forward to working with, when the timing is right, because I want to do those songlines justice. I am not launching a collection just to make money. It has to make sense and be done correctly with appropriate conversations and family consultations.

What has launching Liandra Swim taught you about yourself?

To always believe in myself. I had people say, ‘Swimwear is an oversaturated market’. But I stayed true to my vision and now, being able to partner with David Jones and being recognised by international magazines such as Vogue in the US, Elle (Italy), Harper’s Bazaar and The Zoe Report after just a few years in the game validates that. I am glad I followed my gut and my dream.

Proud Yolngu woman Liandra-Gaykamangu-in-Milingimbi in East Arnhem Land
Proud Yolngu woman, Liandra Gaykamangu returned home to Milingimbi in the Crocodile Islands in East Arnhem Land, after rthe launch of her swimwear line, Liandra Swim. (Image: Yasmin Steel)

How do you perceive Australia right now?

I am the co-CEO of an NFP, Enterprise Learning Projects, which supports Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islanders to achieve their goals in business and entrepreneurship, so I have a lot of conversations around social enterprise and I see conversations shifting, which is exciting. The batons are being passed to the next generation. And I can’t speak for all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. But I am in a position to take that baton from those in fashion, education and the social enterprise space and continue to open discussions.

Social enterprise is not a new term for Indigenous Australians, is it?

No. It’s not. For Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, community impact has always been a part of how we do business. I have to make money, because that is how you grow and stay in business. But money is not how I, as an Aboriginal woman, view success or how I see our biggest impact.

How do non-Indigenous Australians find pride in our Indigenous history?

I highly recommend for non-Indigenous people to connect with their local Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islander community first before feeling the need to explore beyond that. It’s a huge sign of respect to understand the stories of the Country you live on and engage with every day. It’s really important to know that Australia is versatile in terms of culture and language so stories may be similar, but there will always be differences. It is also good to be mindful of history and how that has impacted people. Australia is a very big place with varying cultures, languages and impacts. Lean into your local community and engage with where you spend most of your time. Then go and explore all Indigenous Australia has to offer, so you can get a deeper understanding of why we have, and need, so many different voices, faces and perspectives.

Carla Grossetti
Carla Grossetti avoided accruing a HECS debt by accepting a cadetship with News Corp. at the age of 18. After completing her cadetship at The Cairns Post Carla moved south to accept a position at The Canberra Times before heading off on a jaunt around Canada, the US, Mexico and Central America. During her career as a journalist, Carla has successfully combined her two loves – of writing and travel – and has more than two decades experience switch-footing between digital and print media. Carla’s CV also includes stints at delicious., The Sydney Morning Herald, and The Australian, where she specialises in food and travel. Carla also based herself in the UK where she worked at Conde Nast Traveller, and The Sunday Times’ Travel section before accepting a fulltime role as part of the pioneering digital team at The Guardian UK. Carla and has been freelancing for Australian Traveller for more than a decade, where she works as both a writer and a sub editor.
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8 Red Centre locations to explore after seeing the new movie, Kangaroo

    Lucy CousinsBy Lucy Cousins
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    Spend a few days visiting the real-life Central Australian locations that inspired the new film everyone is talking about, and discover why Alice Springs is such an important part of Australian culture.

    In the credits of the new Australian film Kangaroo , the first name under ‘cast’ should read ‘The Northern Territory ’. Not only is Alice Springs (and the surrounding landscape) integral to the movie itself, but the spiritual heart of Australia and its local Indigenous owners also inform the look and feel of every frame, explains Producer Trisha Morton-Thomas of Brindle Films, who also plays Charlie’s grandmother Gwennie.

    “By setting Kangaroo in Alice Springs (Mparntwe), the film embraces how visible Aboriginal people are here, and the living Aboriginal culture that is woven through this community,” she explains.

    still from kangarro film
    See Kangaroo, then visit the real-life filming locations.

    And while shooting in such a sacred part of the Northern Territory required extra planning, it was something the cast and crew were highly invested in.

    “There are incredibly significant sacred sites and places of deep cultural stories in the area, that at times are very gender-specific, which we’ve kept out of the production,” she explains. “Even if overhead drone footage captures a sacred site that isn’t meant to be seen by other people outside of that clan, we’ve made sure to omit it from the film.”

    If Kangaroo piqued your interest in a Central Australian holiday, we don’t blame you. Read on to discover eight places featured in the movie that you can visit in real life – and get planning. Don’t forget to pack sunscreen and a hat.

    1. Alice Springs/ Mparntwe

    artist at Many Hands Art Centre
    Visit the galleries of Alice Springs, like Many Hands Art Centre. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr/ Many Hands Art Centre)

    The red and dusty streets of the film’s fictional town of Silvergum were filmed on the outskirts of Alice Springs. And, while the art gallery featured in the film is fictional, Alice Springs is a hub of creativity. See the work of local artists at the Araluen Art Centre , Yubu Napa Art Gallery , Iltja Ntjarra (Many Hands) Art Centre and the famous Tjanpi Desert Weavers .

    2. The Kangaroo Sanctuary & Kangaroo Rescue Centre

    The Kangaroo Sanctuary Alice Springs, the inspiration for the Kangaroo move
    Visit the movie’s inspiration at Kangaroo Sanctuary. (Image: Tourism NT/ Kangaroo Sanctuary)

    Kangaroo was inspired by the journey of Chris ‘Brolga’ Barns, who founded the now world-renowned Kangaroo Sanctuary based in Alice Springs. For lead actor, Aussie Ryan Corr, the animals were central to the movie, alongside the landscapes.

    “The animals in this story were a real calling point for me,” he explains. “What this story tries to tell us about the connection between humans and animals is beautiful.”

    To gain a real insight into the fauna and flora of the Red Centre, you can visit the Kangaroo Sanctuary on a sunset tour, where you might even get the chance to hold a baby kangaroo.

    3. Ormiston Gorge

    woman walking along the edge of Ormiston Gorge near alice springs
    Take a dip in Ormiston Gorge. (Image: Tourism NT/ @domandjesso)

    The film captures the raw beauty of the West MacDonnell Ranges, known in the Arrernte language as Tjoritja. This national park is rich in Indigenous culture and stark geological wonders.

    Only a 15-minute drive from Alice Springs, Tjoritja offers visitors the chance to camp, hike and swim among ancient landscapes (most attractions are less than a three-hour drive away).

    Ormiston Gorge , a cooling oasis in among the red desert sands, is one of the most popular destinations, no doubt because of the permanent swimming hole and towering red cliffs. From here, visitors can also embark on the beautiful Ormiston Pound Walk and the shorter – more accessible – Ghost Gum Walk. Bring your bathers – it’s safe for swimming.

    4. Standley Chasm

    woman walking through Standley Chasm near alice springs
    Wander through Standley Chasm. (Image: Tourism NT)

    The 1.2-kilometre walk to nearby Standley Chasm will be a highlight for any visitor as the imposing 40 metre-high chasm walls project strength and ancient wisdom.

    Visit at midday to experience the path illumined by the midday sun. Not only will you fill your camera roll with vibrant red images of the gorge and its intoxicating shadows, but you can also camp nearby in a powered or unpowered site so you can watch the brilliance of the desert stars fill the night sky after dusk.

    5. Simpsons Gap

    three people walking on path through simpsons gap near alice springs
    Walk the trails of Simpson’s Gap. (Image: Tourism NT/ Helen Orr)

    Closer to Alice Springs, the photogenic Simpsons Gap is the perfect place to spot the endangered Black-footed Rock wallaby near the permanent watering hole. While swimming isn’t permitted, soaking up the sun and views certainly is.

    Explore the area’s numerous walking trails, appreciate the soaring cliffs on either side of the ‘gap’ and pick out the shooting locations of Kangaroo in the area.

    6. Ellery Creek Big Hole

    aerial of Ellery Creek Big Hole near alice springs
    Dive into Ellery Creek Big Hole. (Image: Tourism NT/ Tourism Australia)

    When it comes to classic Northern Territory landscapes, you can’t go past Ellery Creek Big Hole/ Udepata : tall gum trees sidling up to a refreshing watering hole (fed by the West MacDonnell Ranges and surrounded by rugged red cliffs.

    Swim in the cooling waters, hike the cliff tops, watch for birds and even stargaze as you camp here overnight. It’s locations like this that attracted the film’s director Kate Woods to the project.

    “It humbles you to be in this environment: it’s so beautiful, so old and so vast,” she explains. “I was thrilled to get a chance to … shoot such a beautiful story in the incredible landscape of the Northern Territory.”

    7. Larapinta Drive

    aerial of Larapinta Drive into alice springs
    Drive along Larapinta Drive. (Image: Tourism NT)

    There is no better way to get a feel for how the characters arrived at the fictional Central Australian town of Silvergum than to travel along the iconic state road, Larapinta Drive.

    Connecting Alice Springs to the mighty King’s Canyon in the west, via the historic community of Hermannsburg, this road takes in the West MacDonnell National Park, Alice Springs Desert Park and artist Albert Namatjira’s house, among other attractions. Take your time, bring a camera and prepare for numerous stops along the way.

    8. Todd River

    competitors in Henley on Todd Regatta, alice springs
    Join in the fun of the quirky Henley on Todd Regatta. (Image: Tourism NT/ TImparja Creative)

    Meandering through Alice Springs like a lazy Western Brown snake, the Todd River is a central part of Alice Springs culture. Known as an ‘intermittent river’, the Todd can go from a dry dusty riverbed to a flowing waterscape in less than 15 minutes after heavy rainfall.

    When it’s dry, the famous Henley on Todd Regatta fills the sandy riverbed with handmade ‘boats’ carried by sailors. This is the world’s only dry river boating event, and it’s referenced in the ‘Silvergum Boat Race’ in the movie. Inspired by the real-life event, the characters built quirky “Flintstones-style boats” and competed in teams.

    See Kangaroo in cinemas now, and start planning your NT getaway at northernterritory.com.