Abby Richards on Blending Journalism, Culture and Design Through Ilgari
Abby Richards is a journalist and designer who’s made a name for herself in two very different industries—news media and fashion.
From her early reporting days at ABC Perth to launching Ilgari Designs, Richards has consistently drawn from her roots in Kalgoorlie and Norseman.
Her label, Ilgari, began as a personal project during her time in the newsroom. “I needed something that really cemented me in the office,” she said.
“There’s no better part than bringing a bit of home with you.” The name Ilgari comes from her father's side and means "little black duck," a playful but meaningful nod to her background.
Abbys designs started with stationery, using patterns passed down from her Nan before she began creating digital art herself.
As a journalist, she used a lot of notebooks, so she saw stationery as both useful and personal.
“It was having a little bit of Nan with me every day,” she said. Her work soon expanded to wearable items that reflect a quiet but clear sense of identity.
“For me, it just made this little culturally safe spot at my desk,” she said. That concept of creating a ‘safe spot’ runs through Ilgari’s purpose—making everyday items that hold meaning, especially for Aboriginal people working in spaces where that identity isn’t always visible.
Abby didn’t always see how journalism and design would come together. It took being included in an ABC project as an artist—not a reporter—for things to click.
“That was a real big light bulb moment for me,” she said. “These two halves of myself don’t have to be separate.” Since then, she’s leaned into both roles, helping share regional and Aboriginal stories in national newsrooms while continuing to build Ilgari.
“I absolutely love it,” she said about working in Kalgoorlie. “That’s mob. That’s where I’m from.” She explained that being a familiar face helped others feel comfortable sharing their stories.
She’s also been part of animation workshops at the Remote Indigenous Media Festival, teaming up with Molly Hunt and Josh to help others experiment with digital art.
Though animation isn’t her main focus, it’s opened up new ways of thinking about her work. Looking ahead, she’s not setting hard goals. “I just want to enjoy life,” she said.
“I’m not quite set in stone on what’s next.” But if there’s one takeaway she wants people to feel when they wear Ilgari, it’s pride.
“That’s what my pop taught me every day—that you are a strong Black woman,” she said.
“When people wear it, I just want them to feel proud of our culture.”