2026 DAAF Foundation Volunteer Form for Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, Country to Couture and The National Indigenous Fashion Awards

Above image: Back of house at Country to Couture, 2024. Photo by Michael Jalaru Torres

Volunteer Registration

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair Foundation’s mission is to provide vibrant and exciting platforms for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art and culture with a reputation for innovation, diversity and cultural integrity.

DAAF Foundation is a not-for-profit Indigenous organisation, and our membership is made up of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Art Centres from across Australia. Our keystone event is the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair (affectionately known as DAAF) held in Darwin in August each year.

We also proudly deliver Country to Couture, a fashion show showcasing collaborations between our Art Centres and their chosen designers. DAAF Foundation also presents the National Indigenous Fashion Awards (NIFA), which celebrates the innovation, diversity and ethical practices of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists and fashion designers, whilst contributing to the capacity building of the sector.

Volunteers are part of the DAAF Foundation family - we simply couldn't conduct our events without you!

We aim to create a unique and memorable behind the scenes event experience in return for your donation of time. We hope to build a great relationship, so that you are excited to return next year!

In 2026, we are seeking volunteers for Country to Couture, National Indigenous Fashion Awards and the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair.

The Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair runs over a four day period (Thursday - Sunday) assisting around the venue with Art Centre workshops, Art Centre assistance, information desk and ticketing. While volunteering you'll get the opportunity to explore First Nations art work from around the country. It's DAAF's 20th birthday this year so we will be celebrating in a big way!

Country to Couture is the iconic showcase where art, culture and fashion merge in an explosion of creativity. Volunteers have the opportunity to experience both the front of house and back of house.

Volunteer at the prestigious NIFA ceremony celebrating Indigenous excellence and innovation in fashion and textiles. Recognising Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists, designers, Art Centres and creatives across a number of categories. Volunteers will be assisting with event requirements such as ticketing, customer service, catering and back of house assistance.

Volunteers will be required to;
- Sign a Code of Conduct and Volunteer Agreement
- Complete an Australia National Character Check (free with DAAF's support)
- Attend a volunteer briefing in the lead up to the event (usually late July) in Darwin or via online
- Complete necessary site inductions from each venue
DAAF Foundation will provide:
- T-shirt
- Car Park Pass
- Light refreshments/lunch/dinner vouchers
- And entry to the event itself!
By submitting this application you confirm you would like to be contacted and kept up to date with news and opportunities including around our Volunteers Program.

Please note that you will be contacted closer to our event date and provided with information about dates, times and further volunteer information.

Above image: Opening Ceremony, Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair, 2025, Photo by Leicolhn McKellar
What events/activities would you like to volunteer for Country to Couture 2026 (select all that apply). Please note that we provide snacks, lunch and refreshments for all BOH shifts as well as dinner on the show day.
For those interested in the BOH Dresser roles for Country to Couture there is a requirement to be available for the rehearsal day, Saturday 1st August. It is as much a rehearsal for the models as it is for the BOH team. We greatly appreciate the time and dedication offered by our volunteers, thank you!

That being said, there are some exceptions that can be made, after discussions with our team so please reach out to volunteer@daaf.com.au if you need.
What events/activities would you like to volunteer for National Indigenous Fashion Awards Wednesday 5 August 2026 (select all that apply)
What events/activities would you like to volunteer for the Darwin Aboriginal Art Fair 6-9 August 2026 (select all that apply)
Please indicate here if you are only able to do certain hours or time frames for the sections you have ticked above such as " I can only work 9am-12pm at DAAF on Friday the 8th" or " I am travelling with my friend Jane Smith and we want to be paired together"
We will try our best, but please note we may not be able to accomodate requests
Are you coming in from interstate?
Have you volunteered for DAAF Foundation in the past?
How many years have you volunteered for DAAF Foundation and which events
I am happy to complete an Australian National Character Check, it is free for our event volunteers:
Do you have a current working with Children's card? Please note if you do not have a current WWC card, DAAF can supply you with a volunteer support letter and cover the application cost.
If yes, please upload your working with children's card here

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Please provide the details of a referee here:

Code of Conduct Policy
The volunteers DAAF Foundation employs have a moral responsibility to represent the organisation in the best interests of the community it serves.

Volunteers at our events are the face of the DAAF Foundation, and they need to demonstrate professional and ethical behaviour at all times in their responsibilities, professional relationships with each other, and service to the community.

The DAAF Foundation has nine core organisational values that we want to uphold at all times:

Code of Conduct:
- As a volunteers I agree to represent the best interests of the Organisation above personal and professional interests
- I agree to observe confidentiality relating to non-public information acquired as part of the role as a volunteer, and do not disclose such information to any other persons
- I will declare potential conflicts of interest and refrain from discussion when applicable
- I will treat fellow volunteers, DAAF Foundation employees, Art Centre members, Board Directors and suppliers with respect, listen to their points of view, and give recognition to others who contribute to the success of the Organisation and its activities
- I will take into consideration cultural sensitivities that the Organisation fosters and respect DAAF Foundation's actions to ensure that the events are culturally safe space
- I will not make improper use of inside information to seek and gain a benefit or advantage for themselves or any other person
- I will not speak on behalf of the Organisation unless a request has been made by the Chair or the Executive Director
- I will behave in a way that upholds the integrity and good reputation of the Organisation
- I will ensure that all communications between all volunteers, other staff, Board Members and the public are respectful, and disseminated without the use of swearing, intimidation or degradation.
Failure to abide by the Code of Conduct may result in removal from the DAAF Volunteer Program 2026 and future events.
I have read the Organisational Values and Code of Conduct and agree to abide by it.
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Code of Conduct Policy