Uluṟu, NT - 17 March 2026: Indigenous trainees and staff members of the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA) have designed a new uniform artwork now worn by trainees throughout Ayers Rock Resort, Uluṟu, with the original piece selected to feature at Alice Springs' Parrtjimafestival 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 hugely popular 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.”  

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: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hAw06H-TVx8   

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.  

Matt Cameron-Smith, CEO of Voyages says: “What makes this moment powerful is not just the artwork itself, but the young people behind it. 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.   

Learn more at nita.edu.au.  

-ENDS-   
  
  

Notes to editor:  

Media contact: media@voyages.com.au  

Further Images Available here: https://www.dropbox.com/scl/fo/dusq917p344wg8vmfjxnk/AC6X-v61AAA1tanyJPWoZD8?rlkey=y9qnchz0ull6oky3gwvehlzac&st=l0xmomiu&dl=0

All images courtesy of Voyages Indigenous Tourism Australia.  

Images of Uluṟu and Kata Tjuṯa may be used with permission from Uluru-Kata Tjuṯa National Park media office. Please contact ulurumedia@dcceew.gov.au.  

About the National Indigenous Training Academy (NITA): Voyages operates NITA at its two locations, Ayers Rock Resort, Uluru, NT and Mossman Gorge Cultural Centre, QLD. Young Indigenous Australians and Torres Strait Islanders live, learn and earn onsite, before graduating with nationally recognised Certificate III in hospitality or tourism. NITA trainees have dedicated living, training and classroom spaces for theory, practical and real-world work experience – like Kulata Café – together with support from an onsite Wellbeing Team. It's an important pathway to employment for almost 800 graduates so far since the program's inception in 2011.