“The design was picked by some of the team members who wanted to support an artist who had ties with the area and community,” Mr Beach shared.

Artist & Design

The design of the shirts was carefully chosen to support artist Luke Mallie, who has ancestral ties to the Kuku Yalanji Nation in the Daintree and the Kubin Village on Moa Island in the Torres Strait Islands.

The shirt design, known as Cockatoo Firebird, features the Red Tailed Black Cockatoo against a background representing flames and smoke, serving as a reminder of the beauty of these birds and their endangered status.

Tremendous support

According to Mr Beach, this is the most significant support that K Hub Port Douglas has provided for NAIDOC Week.

“Being recognized as a Kmart Deadly Store has brought increased support from Kmart itself,” Mr Beach explained. “We have special signage and NAIDOC posters that we have been giving out over the past few weeks.

“When your team is passionate, you can accomplish great things. The team at the store has wholeheartedly embraced our involvement, and we are incredibly proud of their passion and support for this year's NAIDOC Week.”

He added that the response from the community has been tremendous.

“Our customers, both locals and tourists have been very positive and proud to see our store support the Douglas Shire’s First Nation and Torres Strait Island peoples,” Mr Beach said.

“It really brings a smile and positive feeling from customers and we hope the message is that we genuinely support and respect our indigenous hosts.

“Our intention is to showcase the talent influenced by this stunning area with its remarkable natural beauty.

“Furthermore, we want to show tourists and short-term visitors the rich history of the First Nation Peoples, allowing them to appreciate not only the beauty, shops, and restaurants but also the cultural heritage of the region.”