David Wirrpanda, & Tim Kennelly & Jarni McGuire.
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About the design:
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Team Australia acknowledges the rich history and culture of the country’s First Nations people after adding an indigenous symbol to its uniforms.
The symbol, designed by proud Whadjuk Noongar woman and Perth artist Jarni McGuire, was revealed today to coincide with NAIDOC Week. It symbolises the contribution of each player to the game and the champions of the sport, also representing the Southern Cross and half of a baseball diamond.
Team Australia co-captain and Gundangara man Tim Atherton said the symbol made him even prouder to put on the Australian jersey.
“To pull on an Australian jersey that represents the indigenous culture as well, personally, that means a whole lot,” Atherton said. “Not only are we representing Australia, we’re representing our true identity and therefore I’m able to represent my true self as well.”
Atherton said he hoped it inspired indigenous athletes to take up baseball. “It gives Aboriginal people all over Australia representation and becomes relatable to them,” he said. “Now they can see an Australian baseball player pull on a uniform that represents their culture and makes it not out of reach anymore. “There’s so much untouched and unreached talent and athleticism out there that maybe giving them a voice by giving them a symbol is what they need to encourage them to take up the sport of baseball.”
McGuire said she felt privileged to be chosen by Baseball Australia to design the symbol. “It’s a really great step forward for Baseball Australia,” McGuire said.
The symbol, designed by proud Whadjuk Noongar woman and Perth artist Jarni McGuire, was revealed today to coincide with NAIDOC Week. It symbolises the contribution of each player to the game and the champions of the sport, also representing the Southern Cross and half of a baseball diamond.
Team Australia co-captain and Gundangara man Tim Atherton said the symbol made him even prouder to put on the Australian jersey.
“To pull on an Australian jersey that represents the indigenous culture as well, personally, that means a whole lot,” Atherton said. “Not only are we representing Australia, we’re representing our true identity and therefore I’m able to represent my true self as well.”
Atherton said he hoped it inspired indigenous athletes to take up baseball. “It gives Aboriginal people all over Australia representation and becomes relatable to them,” he said. “Now they can see an Australian baseball player pull on a uniform that represents their culture and makes it not out of reach anymore. “There’s so much untouched and unreached talent and athleticism out there that maybe giving them a voice by giving them a symbol is what they need to encourage them to take up the sport of baseball.”
McGuire said she felt privileged to be chosen by Baseball Australia to design the symbol. “It’s a really great step forward for Baseball Australia,” McGuire said.
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