National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) trainees and staff members wore a new uniform they designed themselves when they met the Danish King Frederick X and his Australian wife Queen Mary over the weekend.
The uniforms are now worn throughout Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu, and an original piece has been selected to feature at Alice Springs’ Parrtjima festival in April.
The artwork, titled Journey to Uluṟu, has been transferred from canvas onto the resort’s new uniform range. The original painting will appear as part of Parrtjima’s Grounded installation in Mparntwe (Alice Springs) from 10-19 April 2026, with the artists also taking part in a public Q&A during the festival.
Created by five Aṉangu trainees and staff members – Inawantji (Ina) Scales, April Barry, Trevor Burton, Agnes Mayand Akiyah Macumba – the piece reflects their deep connection to Country, cultural identity and shared experiences during training.
Agnes May, who now works as Aṉangu Engagement Coordinator at Ayers Rock Resort, said the group wanted the artwork to reflect both their journeys and the desert surroundings,
“We wanted to talk about how we started the journey, coming from different places, getting ideas from other trainees, Aṉangu and animals, and finding ways to represent the landscapes,” she said.
The design brings together Indigenous symbols and meeting places, with Uluṟu at the centre. Concentric circles represent different places across Australia and the Torres Strait Islands, while yellow lines trace the journey to Uluṟu.
For manager of Indigenous Engagement, Ina Scales, seeing the artwork rolled out across the uniforms was a standout moment: “Seeing it for the first time on the shirts, we had to get it filmed because it was so exciting. We were so proud.”
Watch the reveal here
During Parrtjima’s opening weekend, NITA trainees will also operate a food and beverage stall, with proceeds supporting the Aṉangu Communities Foundation. The stall also provides an opportunity for locals attending the festival to meet trainees, learn about the program and see first-hand the employment pathways NITA creates.
“What makes this moment powerful is not just the artwork itself, but the young people behind it,” Voyages CEO Matt Cameron-Smith said. “At Parrtjima, our NITA trainees will gain hands-on experience running the food and beverage stall while showing other young people in the region what’s possible.”
Since 2011, NITA has supported nearly 800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander trainees through nationally recognised hospitality and tourism qualifications, combining paid, on-the-job training with classroom learning at Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre in Queensland. The program, operated by Voyages Tourism Australia, will celebrate its 15th anniversary later this year.
