THE Queensland Firebirds have revealed this year’s specially designed First Nations Round uniforms ahead of Saturday’s must-win Suncorp Super Netball game against West Coast Fever in Perth.
Played across Rounds 12 and 13, the 2022 First Nations Round focuses on raising awareness, celebrating and understanding the contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to netball and the nation.
All eight clubs will wear First Nations Round uniforms, each with a unique design and story signifying the rich culture of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples across the country.
Artist and designer Rachael Sarra has once again been tasked with designing the Firebirds’ First Nations dress, a role she’s been responsible for since the inception of the First Nations Round in 2018.
The contemporary artist from Goreng Goreng Country said netball was more than seven players on court at one time.
“Every step or pass you make or action you take, is ignited by those who have come before you and the people around you,” Sarra said.
“It is the strength in diversity of our communities and generations that fuels unity, maintaining balance and harmony on and off the court.”
Sarra described the Firebirds as “vessels for change, awareness and equality.”
“With every game you bring fire, and at every final buzzer, comes new growth and as the smoke settles on the past, we stand together, healing together and while connected in culture and community, we shape the future together. “
Firebirds coach Megan Anderson said the Firebirds were extremely proud to have Noongar woman Donnell Wallam and Wakka Wakka woman Jemma Mi Mi wearing purple.
“Jem and Nelle have been wonderful and open in allowing us into their culture and sharing their experiences with us,” Anderson said.
“It makes the First Nations Round even more special when we can represent them with pride and stand beside them as family.”
The round is split over two weeks so all eight Suncorp Super Netball clubs can showcase their engagement with Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities in front of their home crowds.
This means the Firebirds also look forward to celebrating and highlighting stories of Aborigional and Torres Strait Islander peoples involved in netball at their final Nissan Arena home game of the regular season against Giants Netball on Saturday, June 4.
Netball Queensland CEO Kate Davies acknowledged the impactful nature of the First Nations Round, and its critical place in the Suncorp Super Netball competition.
“Netball Queensland is committed to improving opportunities for First Nations peoples in our game at all levels, focusing on inclusion and supporting diversity,” Davies said.
“We are dedicated to reconciliation, and improving cultural knowledge and awareness, so we celebrate the First Nations Round and all it represents.”
This year’s match balls will feature custom artwork created by Yorta-Yorta/Wurundjeri woman Simone Thomson.
The artwork, titled Winyar Yuringa (Women of the Sun), will also be included on the umpires’ uniforms.
The round coincides with National Reconciliation Week from May 27 to June 3.
This year’s theme, “Be Brave. Make Change.” is a challenge to all Australians — individuals, families, communities, organisations and government — to Be Brave and tackle the unfinished business of reconciliation to Make Change for the benefit of all Australians.
Tickets are still available for the Queensland Firebirds’ last home game of the regular round, when they host Giants Netball on Saturday, June 4 at Nissan Arena.
