What is GANI YIRRA?

This concept and campaign designed by Michael Grundon,  Co-Founder of GaWun Supplies and Melisa Anderson, Founder of BLAQ DIAMONDS Women Empowerment about over three years ago in Brisbane.  The name “GANI YIRRA” comes from Melisa’s Nywaigi Aboriginal language and means “North Seed.” This name reflects a vision of growth, strength and forward movement after surviving domestic violence. Founded by Melisa Drummond-Anderson, a Nywaigi Aboriginal and Gumulaig, Torres Strait Islander woman and survivor of DV herself, the campaign uses purple Indigenous-designed hi-vis work shirts to spark conversations and plant seeds of change. Shirt manufactured by Michael Grundon, Co-Founder of GaWun Supplies.

A Nation-Wide Movement

Now in its second year, the GANI YIRRA campaign has grown into a national movement. In May 2025, BLAQ DIAMONDS and GaWun Supplies hosted its second Black Coffee DV Event in partnership with MinterEllison, Challenge DV and Black Coffee Indigenous Business Events bringing together survivors, allies and professionals to take a stand.

This year’s event featured a powerful rose ceremony led by Melisa and handpicked men folk from the crowd who are purple army members and allies, who were given cards to read out a few of the women that we had unfortunately lost this year to Domestic Violence.  This ceremony symbolising the lives of the women we’ve lost — and the strength of those still standing.

Quote from Melisa

“This isn’t just a shirt — it’s a statement. Every time someone wears the GANI YIRRA shirt, they’re saying NO to violence and YES to hope, healing, and accountability.”

💜 Why It Matters

Domestic and family violence disproportionately affects First Nations women. GANI YIRRA doesn’t just raise awareness — it provides economic empowerment, cultural healing and connection through BDWE’s Next Step 12-Month Program.

Through the sale of each purple shirt, $10 is donated to Challenge DV, directly funding services that support women in crisis.

👉 What’s Next?

• Join the Purple Army at this year’s Darkness to Daylight Event, Friday 1^st May, 2025 – Venue TBC.
• Buy your GANI YIRRA shirt and wear it with pride: https://gawunsupplies.com.au/products/gani-yirra-x-challenge-dv-purple-workshirt
• Sponsor 10 First Nations women through BDWE’s corporate membership model…more details coming soon.

🔗 Links

• https://www.challengedv.org/blog/post/10254/wear-purple-for-change/
• Contact BDWE for Sponsorship Opportunities

📬 Follow Us

Stay connected with the movement:
📱 Facebook | 💻 www.blaqdiamondswe.com.au | 📧 melisa@blaqdiamondswe.com.au