CINDY ROSTRON
Creative and model Bangardidjan Cindy Rostron is tracing the path of her Ancestors and kin – which includes artist mother and father Jay Jurrupula Rostron and Victor Rostron – discovering art. She is also following in the footsteps of models, like Charlee Fraser and Elaine George, and breaking out into the world of fashion, with a recent Vogue shoot and last year walking the runway in the Barunga festival, a celebration of Indigenous community. As the youngest of these women – adept at expressing herself on TikTok to tell stories and show off her dance moves – she is stepping into a new era, and lighting an ever bigger and brighter path.
“My family are from Northern Territory, Maningrida. It’s really hot. I love going out Country and bush. I’ve come here to Sydney and it’s my first time. My whole family, even my dad, do art – with the Dreamtime stories and history. I make art. I just love acting, dancing and singing [on TikTok].
When I first did the runway in Barunga, my mum encouraged me and said something that makes me powerful and strong: ‘You always go somewhere, [but] you are not alone. You always walk with your Ancestors and spirit.’
[After the Vogue January issue shoot], my family said it’s important to follow my dream, it’s important to share our culture. They said to be strong and that it’s important to show who you really are, and that your Ancestors will guide you. Our culture will always be in our skin, in our veins and especially in our heart. No matter if you are light-skinned, or no matter what you look like, your culture will always be in you forever.
When I was on the plane, for the Vogue shoot, they were all texting me, ‘Oh, miss you, sis. Hope you have great fun. We are so proud of you.’ I replied and I think there was crying.
Back in the 70s, 60s, women didn’t have a chance to chase their dream. Now, all the new generation, every woman has the power to chase their dream. I want young people to be strong and powerful. And I want them to show their knowledge and culture; to share it. I hope to see more young Indigenous people step up and show their culture and share their talent in their own way, like in modelling, art or dancing.
I’m just enjoying sharing my culture and seeing other Indigenous women stepping up. I am just so excited to be part of this industry at this time when Indigenous women are showing their talent and power. When I’m standing with these women, I feel so powerful and I feel so proud.”
“I hope to see more young Indigenous people step up and show their culture and share their talent in their own way, like in modelling, art or dancing”