Kiya isn’t just a bright and friendly face on screens - she’s a meaningful cultural ambassador for the next generation. Her name means “hello” in Noongar language, and true to her name, she’s been a warm welcome into many homes across Australia.
Now, Kiya has some brand-new outfits and it’s more than just a fashion update. Her new outfits are a celebration of Aboriginal culture, storytelling, and the joyful spirit of childhood, brought to life by two incredible artists and designers. Buffie Punch from Buffie Creative and Rebecca (Beck) Rickard, founder of Deadly Denim.
Kiya’s updated wardrobe includes a standout hero boiler suit and two mix-and-match tops with shorts.
Buffie, a Noongar Yorga woman from the Noongar Nation who designed the eye-catching patterns, shared:
“I wanted to channel my inner child—that’s where I started creating. For me, I just get into a flow.”
Buffie’s creative process is deeply spiritual and grounded in storytelling. Her artwork is not just decoration, it’s a way to express culture, identity, and the joy of community.
Her artwork includes Aboriginal symbols that speak to connection, joy, and wisdom.
“Each symbol that I created in the design had that meaning behind it,” Buffie explained. “Whether it be the yarning circles, which represented people coming together and sharing stories, or the rainbows, which for me represent colour and joy and fun. The suns represent life and light, which works well with the joy.”
Beck, a Ballardong, Whadjuk woman from the Nyungar nation, leads her label Deadly Denim with a strong focus on sustainability and cultural storytelling.
“SWALSC (South West Australian Land and Sea Council) were the ones putting names forward to a group of Elders and that was the initial first process,” Beck shared. “I was over the moon excited.”
Together, Buffie and Beck have created more than just clothing. They’ve dressed Kiya in a story of joy, culture, and belonging.
Kiya’s new outfits arrive just in time for Play School’s latest series, My Place, My Home. Across five exciting episodes, Presenter Teo travels across Australia, sending back parcels and videos that highlight the beauty and diversity of the many places children call home.
From busy cities to incredible islands, each episode explores the beauty and diversity of Australia, the incredible place we call home. And now, with her new outfit, Kiya is right at the heart of that celebration, shining a light on Noongar Country and the creativity of First Nations artists.
Watch Kiya in Play School's new series 'My Place, My Home' now on ABC iview!