Opportunities keep opening up for Katherine fashion designers Maggie McGowan and Laura Egan who scored big at a business awards held in Darwin last night.
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The Katherine duo came second at the Australia Post Regional Pitchfest event in Darwin.
The Magpie Goose creators picked up $3500 from the judges.
Magpie Goose is designed to bring the talent, creativity and culture of Top End textile artists to the world stage and create economic opportunities for Aboriginal people in remote places.
The Katherine-based label has won national exposure.
Ms Egan told Katherine Times earlier this year she was excited for Katherine to become a hub for start up projects in the region.
“Katherine is an unlikely place for a fashion label to launch, but we are really excited about building Katherine as a start up community,” she said.
Prints are currently being produced in from four remote community art centres in Wadeye, Gunbalanya, Tiwi Islands and Maningrida.
Darwin resident Fiona Park took out first place for her plus-sized hosiery business Emmaretta.
Fiona was awarded the $5000 first prize and the opportunity to represent the NT in August at the national gala event in Wagga Wagga (NSW).
She also won the Community Choice Award, which was voted for by the audience on the night, taking home an extra $1500.
“Winning the Australia Post Regional Pitchfest final tonight is amazing and so valuable for a start-up like mine,” Fiona said.
“This has been a fantastic journey so far to make great new contacts, gain practical experience and build momentum to keep the business moving forward.”
Australia Post general manager small business Rebecca Burrows said that all five pitches were well delivered, innovative and demonstrated commercial potential to meet a real need in their respective markets.
“Fiona’s pitch was a wonderful reflection of what people from regional areas can accomplish when given the opportunity. We’ve attracted some outstanding examples of regional innovation, and I can’t wait to see all of our winners from around the country pitch their ideas at the national final in August.”
Joining Rebecca on the judging panel was Luke Gosling – Federal MP and local member for Solomon; Joe Barber - Commercialisation adviser, mentor, Angel Investor; Rohan Workman - Director, MAP at the University of Melbourne; and Liane Sayer-Roberts - Director, Sauce Communications.
The Australia Post Regional Pitchfest national final gala event will be held on Friday, August 18 in Wagga Wagga (NSW).