EMDG helps take Australian Indigenous and beach culture to the world
Hitting the beaches around the world this summer? Look out for Gali Swimwear’s ethical, sustainable swimwear, exported from Australia with help from Austrade.
Gali Swimwear collaborates with First Nations artists and communities to create premium men's swimwear. The designs showcase the creativity of our Traditional Owners and celebrate Australia’s rich First Nations culture.
Gali Swimwear is 100% Aboriginal owned, operated and made in Australia. The brand was founded in Bondi Beach by David Leslie - a proud Kamilaroi man and volunteer surf lifesaver. In Kamilaroi language, Gali means water. Gali is Mr Leslie’s way to connect his love for the water with his culture.
A proud ethical and sustainable business, Gali Swimwear gives back to First Nations communities with whom it collaborates. The company pays royalties to artists for every product made. It also donates $1 to community-led projects for every product sold.
EMDG supports international expansion
The Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) program is proud to support businesses at all stages of their export journey, including emerging exporters like Gali Swimwear.
The EMDG has allowed Gali Swimwear to launch and sell directly into overseas markets. The funding has helped:
- build and launch the brand’s e-commerce store
- create marketing materials and content for international promotion
- launch an influencer marketing campaign targeting specific customer personas
- execute Facebook and Instagram paid advertising campaigns in target markets
- engage with a US-based fashion PR firm to drive brand awareness in the US.
Bangarra Dance Theatre dancer Rikki Mason modelling Gali Swimwear. Photo: Joshua Howlett.
A clear and straightforward EMDG experience
Founder David Leslie found the EMDG application process to be ‘clear and straightforward.’
‘The team has been extremely helpful, resourceful and responsive when it comes to answering questions,’ he says.
Mr Leslie encourages businesses looking to expand into overseas markets, especially other First Nations businesses, to apply for EMDG.
‘Being able to use the grant for photography, hiring PR agencies, and developing marketing strategies using influential overseas content creators has been incredibly valuable for Gali Swimwear,’ he says.
What’s next for Gali Swimwear
Gali Swimwear is getting ready for the Australian summer. The company is also developing new mini collections and products for the northern hemisphere summer next year.
Grow your export business overseas
Export Market Development Grants (EMDG) encourage small to medium enterprises to market and promote their goods and services globally.