FAQS
Frequently Asked Questions
Everything you need to know about Ngarga Warendj, our art, products, and services.
About Ngarga Warendj
Q: What does Ngarga Warendj mean?
A: Ngarga Warendj — Dancing Wombat — takes its name from the Kulin languages of South-East Australia. The name was inspired by Mick's deep fondness for the wombat and carries with it a comical idea: that when no one is watching, wombats are out dancing freely beneath the endless sky.
The wombat also holds a special place in South-East Australian Aboriginal storytelling, with many traditional stories woven around this beloved animal.
Q: Who is behind Ngarga Warendj?
A: Ngarga Warendj was founded by Mick Harding, a Kulin man of the Dja Dja wurrung and Dhagung wurrung language groups in Victoria, Australia.
Mick is a practising Aboriginal artist whose work spans woodcarving, sculpture, printmaking, giftware design, and large-scale public art installations. He draws directly on the traditional symbols and stories of South-East Australia.
Q: Is Ngarga Warendj an Aboriginal-owned business?
A: Yes. Ngarga Warendj is owned and operated by Mick Harding, a Kulin man and his wife Nicole. We are certified by Supply Nation as an authentic Indigenous business and are a member of the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce — the peak body representing Victorian Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander businesses.
Q: What region does your art represent?
A: Our art is grounded specifically in the cultural traditions of South-East Australia — particularly the Kulin Nation language groups of Victoria, including the Dja Dja wurrung and Dhagung wurrung peoples. This is a distinct and rich visual tradition that is less widely represented in the mainstream than Central or Northern Australian Aboriginal art, but is equally meaningful and alive.
Our Products & Art
Q: How do I care for my board ?
After use, wash your board in warm soapy water and pat dry. Season your board occasionally with any vegetable oil to keep it looking great. Avoid soaking your board in water and Do Not Put your board in the Dishwasher.
Q: Is the artwork authentic and ethically produced?
A: Yes. All designs sold through Ngarga Warendj are either created directly by Ngarga Warendj or produced under ethical licensing agreements. We also work with ethical manufacturers to create products we have designed that we are unable to produce ourselves. We are a signatory to the Indigenous Art Code, which sets standards for fair dealing and cultural integrity in the Australian Indigenous art market. We are also a member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia.
Q: What kinds of products do you sell?
A: We offer a wide range of contemporary Aboriginal art and gifts, including wooden boards and homewares, gift boxes and hampers, art cards, jewellery, lapel pins, leather goods, beanies, drink bottles and mugs, stationery, keychains, educational resources, and Aboriginal artifacts. Every product features designs rooted in Kulin Nation cultural symbols.
Q: Are your products handmade?
A. Many of our products are handmade right here in our Gippsland studio by Mick Harding and our sons Mitchil and Corey. This includes carved wooden pieces, boomerangs, and sculptures. Our wider giftware range is either made or designed by us — we source base products and apply our designs in-studio, or work with manufacturers who follow ethical practices to bring certain items to life.
We also partner with Alperstein Designs, who produce a range of items using our artwork through ethical licensing agreements that ensure our designs are compensated and their cultural integrity is maintained.
Q: Do you ship internationally?
A: Yes, we ship to many countries around the world. Shipping costs and delivery times vary by destination. Please see our Shipping Policy for full details, or contact us if you have a specific question about your location.
Corporate Gifting & Commissions
Q: Can you create custom Aboriginal gifts for our organisation?
A: Absolutely — corporate gifting is one of our specialities. We work with businesses, government agencies, not-for-profits, and educational institutions to source or create culturally appropriate Aboriginal gifts tailored to your needs. Whether you need branded giftware, hampers, or a bespoke art piece, we can help.
Q: Do purchases from Ngarga Warendj count toward Indigenous procurement targets?
A: Yes. Ngarga Warendj is certified by Supply Nation, which means purchases can be counted toward your organisation's Supplier Diversity and Indigenous procurement commitments. We are happy to provide documentation to support your reporting.
Q: Can you create Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) artwork?
A: Yes. Mick Harding has created RAP artwork for a number of organisations across Victoria and Australia wide, including BP and Ryman Australia. We work collaboratively with your team to develop artwork that is culturally meaningful, visually compelling, and appropriate for your RAP document and related communications.
Q: What other commission work do you do?
A: We have completed commissions including: the ACMI (Australian Centre for the Moving Image) First Nations Welcome Animation, public art installations, sporting club guernsey designs (including Indigenous Round), workplace murals and installations, NAIDOC Week activations, and educational resources. Visit our Commissions page to see our portfolio and get in touch.
Q: How do I get a quote for a commission or corporate order?
A: The best way is to contact us directly via our Contact page or email. Tell us about your project — the type of artwork or product, quantities, timeline, and budget — and we will get back to you promptly with options.
Ethical Purchasing & Certifications
Q: How do I know I'm not buying from an inauthentic source?
A: Ngarga Warendj is certified by Supply Nation, a signatory to the Indigenous Art Code, a member of the Aboriginal Art Association of Australia, and a member of the Kinaway Chamber of Commerce. These certifications verify that we are an authentic, Aboriginal-owned business operating to the highest ethical standards in the Indigenous art and gift market.
Q: What is Supply Nation certification?
A: Supply Nation is Australia's leading register of verified Indigenous businesses. Certification requires proof of majority Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander ownership. For buyers, it provides confidence that you are genuinely supporting an Indigenous-owned enterprise.
Q: What is the Indigenous Art Code?
A: The Indigenous Art Code (Indig Art Code) is a voluntary industry code of conduct that promotes fair, transparent, and respectful trade in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander art. As a signatory, we commit to honest dealing with artists, clear provenance, and cultural integrity in all our products.
Orders, Returns & General
Q: What is your returns policy?
A: We want you to be happy with your purchase. Please see our Returns & Refund Policy page for full details, or contact us directly if you have a concern about your order.
Q: How can I stay up to date with new products and projects?
A: Subscribe to our newsletter at the bottom of our homepage, and follow us on Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and LinkedIn @ngargawarendj for the latest news, projects, and product releases.
Q: I have a question that isn't answered here. How do I get in touch?
A: Please visit our Contact Us page or email us directly — we're always happy to help.