Maltha Waru
Arts Celebration
Maltha Waru: Many Paths, One celebration
Maltha Waru: Many Paths, One celebration
The Maltha Waru Arts Celebration and Maltha Waru Regional Arts Workshop showcase the creativity and culture of Indigenous artists from Outback North West Queensland.
Maltha Waru — meaning “Many Paths” in Kalkadoon (Kalkatungu) — was gifted by local Kalkadoon Elder Hazel Munro to reflect the many art forms and journeys that bring artists, community, culture, and visitors together in the heart of Mount Isa.
For many years, the closest Indigenous art galleries for Outback artists were located on the coast or in the Northern Territory. To give artists a platform closer to home, Outback at Isa created a dedicated space where visitors can view and purchase original Indigenous artworks and wearable-art garments right here in Mount Isa.
What began as a small, invitation-only evening supported by Topology, the Regional Arts Services Network (RASN), and Glencore has grown into an annual celebration featuring a purpose-built stage, live performances, and a fashion runway. Each year, original Indigenous artworks are transformed into striking garments made in Australia, giving audiences a unique fusion of culture, fashion, and storytelling.
The garments showcase the distinctive styles of local artists — from vibrant contemporary paintings to Hazel Munro’s rare handmade ochre-coloured spinifex paper — highlighting the diversity of Outback North West Queensland’s Indigenous artists.
After the celebration, garments remain on display and available for purchase at the Maltha Waru Regional Arts Workshop —
Mount Isa’s first permanent Indigenous art gallery and retail space. Together, the celebration and the workshop create sustainable
opportunities for artists, foster cultural pride, and drive Mount Isa’s vision to be recognised as the Indigenous Arts and
Fashion Hub of Outback North West Queensland.
The annual Maltha Waru Arts Celebration welcomes artists, performers, community groups,
and volunteers who would like to be part of this vibrant event.
Enquiries & Expressions of Interest
📧 Email: operations@outbackatisa.com.au
📞 Phone: (07) 4749 1555
Use the Enquire Now button to fill out the form and submit your interest—our team will be in touch.
Looking at our Country through sunset eyes, the circles represent the spinifex burrows our people and animal once slept in.
On 4 September 2024, Outback at Isa partnered with Topology RASN NQ to present the first-ever Mount Isa Indigenous Fashion Event.
Four First Nations artists from North West Queensland showcased their original designs, which were transformed into casual clothing for this special collection.
The participating artists were:
Auntie Hazel Munro – Mount Isa
Kelly Barclay – Doomadgee
Barbara Sam – Mount Isa
Cathy Snow – Normanton
Ngawa Murabi – Strong Women
Ngawa Murabi means “Strong Women” in Kalkadoon (Kalkatungu). The event celebrates the resilience, leadership, and creativity of Indigenous women, honouring their vital role in community, culture, and the arts.
Gallery
