Wunna T’s – Locally Designed & Printed
One of the things that can often be so exciting about coming to a small community is the vibrant arts scene. Creative artists and makers are all around on Norfolk Island and you’ll find a seemingly endless range of wonderful products, gifts and keepsakes of your island holiday.
In an age of imported gifts and souvenirs it’s refreshing to know that so many items are still crafted here on Norfolk Island – and often made to order if required!
In a fairly innocuous elongated building that houses ‘Wunna T’s’ and ‘Wunna Bar & Lounge’ opposite the Airport terminal, you’ll discover a treasure trove of locally printed t-shirts and apparel. For over 40 years the Robertson family have been printing here.
Today, Norfolk Islander Rick Robertson and his partner Cathy Thomas operate the business. Their range is made up of a mixture of old classics and striking new designs, including collaborations with local artists.
While many processes involved in preparing designs for print have changed, the fundemental fabric printing process through silk screens hasn’t really changed much at all. In fact Rick still uses equipment his father was printing on decades earlier with the same precision accuracy.
Screen printing is a technique thats been around for hundreds of years, but in a more modern sense, having a design or slogan on a t-shirt or garment is something that became popular in the 1960s and just sort of stuck around. Unlike many fickle fashion trends that vanish as quickly as they appear, the printed garment has been a stylish staple ever since.
Leaning into that, the diverse range of options available at Wunna T’s have been accrued over a long period of time and they are well worth a look! They are all printed on Gildan Brand – ‘made with respect’ – apparel which is 100% ring-spun cotton, ethically sourced and sustainably made.
Wunna T’s is conveniently located opposite the airport, but you don’t leave it to the last minute to pop in. If you’re lucky you might even see Rick hand printing the shirts inside the factory.
Choose a gift for someone special, perhaps a grand child, or even a memento of your Norfolk Island holiday – something to proudly wear or simpy to remind yourself of an unforgettable Norfolk Island experience.
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Wunna T’s is located on Douglas Drive opposite the Airport
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Image Credit: Robin Nisbet
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Article content disclaimer: Article first published in Discover Norfolk, Volume 08 Issue 01, 2025. Please note that details of specific travel, accommodation and touring options may be outdated. References to people, places and businesses, including operating days and times may be have changed. References to Government structure and Government businesses/entities may no longer be applicable. Please check directly with businesses and/or Government websites directly rather than relying on any information contained in this article before you make travel arrangements.
