S3 Episode 8 - Aunty Francine Kickett - Art, Design & Tourism

S3 Episode 8 - Aunty Francine Kickett - Art, Design & Tourism

Author: Isaac Harrison January 17, 2025 Duration: 15:03

In this episode of Deadly Discussions, we sit down with Aunty Francene Kickett, a distinguished visual artist, textile and fashion designer, and educator of the Wiilman Nyoongah Yorga peoples. Recorded at the Australian Indigenous Tourism Conference 2024 at the iconic MCG, we delve into the significance of Indigenous tourism, the art of storytelling, and the unique journeys shared by mobs from across the country. Aunty Francine shares her insights on preserving heritage and the powerful role storytelling plays in connecting communities.

Aunty Francine Kickett, born in Narrogin, Western Australia, has dedicated her career to empowering the next generation of Indigenous artists. A graduate of Curtin University with an associate degree in Contemporary Aboriginal Art, she specializes in textile designs and visual art inspired by the Nyoongah Boodja (land). Her accolades include the NAIDOC South West Artist of the Year (1998) and Indigenous Designer of the Year (2001).

Internationally, she has showcased her work at Malaysian and Hong Kong Fashion Weeks, launching her label BushWA designs. Aunty Francine continues to be a ground-breaking visual artist, textile and fashion design icon.


Isaac Harrison hosts Deadly Discussions, a series of conversations that digs into the human stories behind meaningful enterprise. Each episode moves beyond spreadsheets and business plans to explore how leaders and founders build ventures that genuinely serve the people around them. You’ll hear from individuals who measure success not just in profit, but in positive impact, discussing the real-world challenges and triumphs of running operations that support both communities and families. This podcast sits at the unique intersection of practical management, entrepreneurial spirit, and non-profit ethos, offering a grounded perspective often missing from typical business talk. The dialogue focuses on the decisions, values, and daily work that define a purpose-driven career. Tune in for honest reflections on what it means to do good business, providing listeners with both inspiration and actionable insight from those who are quietly getting it done.
Author: Language: English Episodes: 57

Deadly Discussions
Podcast Episodes
S2 Episode 11 - Mick Buckworth - Rumbalara - Indigenous Food Growers [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 26:34
Mick Buckworth married into the Yorta Yorta people in Shepparton, Victoria. Mick, a builder by trade, ended up working with the mob at Rumbalara Aboriginal Co-operative. For the last two decades, the Co-op focused its wo…
S2 Episode 9 - Luke Fallini [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 38:21
Luke Fallini, a Quandamooka man with Italian heritage from SE Queensland, Australia, joins me on the podcast.A builder by trade, with a passion for football (of course). Shares his not so typical upbringing as an Indigen…
S2 Episode 8 - Alana Kennedy [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 48:10
What an inspiring episode this was! Alana Kennedy is a Waanyi Kalkatungu woman from North Queensland. Raised by her Non-Indigenous mother in Mt Isa. Alana understood there was something a little different with her family…
S2 Episode 7 - Cory Grech [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 32:58
Cory is the founder of Meat Brothers, a food truck that had evolved into a shipping container cafe. A Kamilaroi and Wonnarua Man from New South Wales, Cory shares the importance of having powerful women in his family. It…
S2 Episode 6 - Mervyn Fernando [not-audio_url] [/not-audio_url]

Duration: 41:25
Dunghutti Man, Mervyn Fernando joins me on the podcast. Mervyn grew up in Kempsey NSW. After losing his mother at a young age, Mervyn was raised by his father. Growing up as a young Koori boy On Country Mervyn faced the…