Wallam, a proud Noongar woman, immediately noted the inclusion of kangaroo tracks on the artwork “The Dreams of our Future” created by Cummins, a Mayi-Kulan and Kalkadoon woman.
“I loved hearing the story behind the artwork,” Wallam said.
“I love the pop of orange back into our purple dress.
“With the kangaroo footprints, the kangaroo is my family totem, so that felt really special seeing that because it was something that I could really connect with as well.
“I’m just really happy, really proud to wear this dress.”
Cummins' artwork, which was revealed at the launch of NQ’s Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan on Tuesday, depicts the organisation’s cultural journey, highlighting the importance of reflection and the efforts of those who have paved the way to build a culturally safe environment.
“We reflect on the mountains, a story of the challenges we have faced and the obstacles we have overcome,” Cummins said, describing the artwork’s meaning and symbolism.
“From the water comes growth and continuous progress.
“Our tracks always move forward, never backwards. Guided by our values, we forge a path forward, standing strong on the shoulders of giants who have come before us.
“The older generation guide us, helping us to see the stars that are our dreams of our future. Surrounded by the connection and support of community, we focus on creating a culturally safe environment regardless of background and identity for our people are at the heart of who we are.”
The Firebirds will wear the dress in two Suncorp Super Netball First Nations matches this season, including this Saturday’s derby match against the Sunshine Coast Lightning.
In coming days, Valour Sport will launch a replica polo shirt on the Firebirds merchandise store so fans can purchase and proudly wear the design alongside the players.
The second week of First Nations Round will take place in Round 13, when the Firebirds host the Lightning at Nissan Arena on July 6 at 7pm.
As in 2023, this year’s First Nations dresses will be auctioned online, giving the public a chance to own a player-worn dress and raise funds for NQ’s Diamond Spirit program - which uses netball as a vehicle to engage, empower and educate Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children in remote and regional communities across Queensland.
Since 2017, 2,500 participants in remote communities have accessed netball clinics and inter-community carnivals through Diamond Spirit while 500 students have enrolled in Educate Hubs, which provide opportunities to enhance physical and cultural wellbeing.
For more information on Diamond Spirit, click here.
For more on the Firebirds First Nations dress auction click here.
