Suns shine a light on Indigenous culture

The Indigenous netball dress will be worn by players from the Under 13 to Under 19 sides at different stages throughout the season.

Local Indigenous artist Nathan Patterson designed the dress, having previously designed Indigenous football jumpers for AFL clubs including Richmond, Geelong, Essendon and Collingwood.

Club president Michael Thomas said it was great for the club to be connected with the land’s traditional owners.

“This project solidifies who we are as a club. We believe by doing this, it will show the Torquay and greater regional area that we are community minded and accepting of cultural diversity, while encouraging discussion of local Indigenous sensitivities, and recognising the important history of Aboriginal Australia.”

Mr Patterson titled the design “Together Under One Sun” and created it to encompass various meanings.

The feather and gum leaves represent Bunjil county, the cross hatching through the middle represents Wathaurong Land, and the blue strip is the ocean and the sun as a meeting place symbolising the club and community both young and old.

The players are also eager to compete in the kit, with Under 17 Netballer Lauren Jakobi voicing her appreciation of it.

“It’s a cool design which showcases Indigenous art and the importance of our native culture in our sporting society today.”

The design was made possible thanks to a grant from Torquay Community Enterprise.

The dress will be launched during the first round of the AFL Barwon winter season when the Suns’ Under 19 team takes to the court.