FIRST NATIONS PATHWAYS PROGRAMME
APPLICATIONS NOW OPEN
Applications close Monday 12 January 2026 11:59pm AEDT.
The PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival x Mob in Fashion Pathways Programme, supported by Architectus, Slattery and Godfrey Hirst x Dreamtime Flooring, creates paid placements for First Nations creatives and event professionals across the Festival.
Read below for more information.
Participants of the Pathways Programme will be instrumental in delivering one of 2026’s most powerful shows in our Premium Runway Series, the Beyond Blak Runway curated by Mob in Fashion.
The Pathways Programme forms part of the Festival’s wider First Nations Engagement Programme, designed to provide employment pathways within the fashion industry that support First Nations self-determination and promote a greater understanding and appreciation of their rich cultural heritage – all in collaboration and consultation with First Nations community groups.
The roles include assistant stylists, makeup artists, hair stylists, photographers, a videographer, social media content creator, journalist and costume designer.
KEY INFORMATION
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Apply here.
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1st Assistant Stylist
Position Details: Assist the Mob in Fashion team with preparations leading up to the Back in Blak Runway
Estimated Hours: 20th February to 26th February 2026
2nd Assistant Stylist
Position Details: Assist the Mob in Fashion team with preparations leading up to the Back in Blak Runway
Estimated Hours: 20th February to 26th February 2026
Makeup Artist/Assistant
Position Details: Assistant with the Lancôme team minimum 2 days
Estimated Hours: As required per event day
Hair Stylist/Assistant
Position Details: Assistant with the L’Oréal Professionnel team minimum 2 days
Estimated Hours: As required per event day
Videographer
Position Details: Capture media pit videography and create a portfolio of work for Mob in Fashion
Estimated Hours: As required per event day
Photographer (Backstage)
Position Details: Capture backstage photography and create a portfolio of imagery for Mob in Fashion and PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival access
Estimated Hours: As required per event day
Photographer (Media Pit)
Position Details: Capture media pit photography and create a portfolio of imagery for Mob in Fashion and PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival access
Estimated Hours: As required per event day
Social Media Content Creator
Position Details: Develop and publish content for Mob in Fashion channels, as well as collaborate on posts for the PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival Instagram account
Estimated Hours: As required per event day
Journalist
Position Details: Write content on First Nations topics for a partnered publication to highlight the show and PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival
Estimated Hours: As required for project completion
Costume Designer
Position Details: Design and create two garments for performers on the runway
Estimated Hours: Project-based timeline to be discussed with the Mob in Fashion team
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Monday 12 January 2026: Applications close
Friday 16 January 2026: Applicants notified
14 – 28 February 2026: PayPal Melbourne Fashion Festival
Wednesday 25 February 2026: Beyond Blak Runway