Designed by Koru Apparel. Created for change.
At Koru Apparel, our mission has always been bigger than clothing. Our Indigenous Tees were created with a clear purpose - to support the wellbeing, strength, and voices of Indigenous men across Australia.
Our first tee in this collection, the Cherbourg Tee, was designed specifically in support of the Willie Tonga Foundation’s Men’s Yarning Circles. These circles are safe, culturally grounded spaces where Indigenous men can come together, share openly, and connect through meaningful conversations about mental health, life challenges, identity, and healing.
Why We Created the Indigenous Tee Collection
This collection began with a simple but powerful idea:
use our platform to help create real change.
Mental health remains a significant challenge within many Indigenous communities, and the need for culturally safe support spaces is greater than ever. We believe Men’s Yarning Circles offer exactly that - a place where men feel comfortable to talk, listen, and be heard.
We saw first hand the positive impact these circles had in Cherbourg, and it became clear that more communities across Australia could benefit from this work. That’s why we made a commitment:
100% of profits from every Indigenous Tee go directly toward funding these initiatives.
This funding helps us support Willie Tonga in delivering more Yarning Circles, travelling to more communities, and expanding a program that continues to change lives.
Our Partnership With the Willie Tonga Foundation
Our Indigenous Tee collection is proudly designed in partnership with the Willie Tonga Foundation, an organization grounded in culture, community, and connection.
Willie Tonga, a proud Wiradjuri man, has dedicated his life to uplifting Indigenous communities. His passion for creating safe spaces for men to talk about their struggles and experiences is the driving force behind this initiative.
Through this partnership, we aim to:
- Support ongoing men’s mental health programs
- Bring Yarning Circles to more Indigenous communities
- Increase awareness around culturally safe support
- Provide long-term, sustainable impact through continued funding
This isn’t a one-off collaboration - it’s an ongoing commitment. Every tee purchased helps this movement grow.
Designed With Purpose - Created In-House by Koru Apparel
Our Indigenous Tees are designed in-house by Koru Apparel. Every detail is intentional — from the artwork selection to the colour, style, and storytelling behind each piece.
These tees aren’t just apparel.
They’re worn symbols of community support, cultural respect, and positive change.
As we continue to work with the Willie Tonga Foundation, we will be creating new Indigenous Tee designs, each connected to the stories, communities, and programs we’re supporting.
Our Vision Moving Forward
Our goal is simple:
to help bring these Yarning Circles to more Indigenous communities across Australia.
With ongoing support and funding, Willie Tonga will be able to visit new regions, engage with local men, and hold more circles that encourage conversation, connection, and healing.
Purchasing one of our Indigenous Tees means you’re directly supporting this vision — helping us create real, meaningful impact.