Greeted by a traditional smoking ceremony from the Nunukul Yuggera Aboriginal Dance Company at Musgrave Park in South Brisbane, Firebirds midcourter Jemma Mi Mi proudly showed off the dress.
“It’s really special and Rachael’s done such an amazing job designing it. All the elements have so much meaning and I feel so privilege to be able to wear this on the weekend,” said Mi Mi.
Jemma is the only indigenous netballer currently playing in the Suncorp Super Netball competition.
“Wearing this dress, I can reach out to so many different communities and when Rachael explained all the elements on the dress all the girls were so inspired to wear it and we’re going to give it all we’ve got this weekend,” said Mi Mi.
The artwork was designed by Brisbane-based contemporary artist and proud Goreng Goreng woman Rachael Sarra.
Rachael explained her background and heritage inspires her as an artist, which allows a broader audience to connect to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.
“A huge part of this process was developing a story that this artwork could represent. That involved everyone – from the players, coaching staff, CEO and broader Netball Queensland community to develop key symbols which I then took and visually represented in the artwork,” said Ms Sarra.
The artwork on the dress is titled “Uniting Flames” – a fitting name for the Queensland Firebirds.
“Fire was a huge theme in this artwork. Traditionally fire was used to create peace and harmony on the land and a back-burn would be used to create new growth. That was really important for me as an artist because that’s exactly what the Firebirds players do on the court – every game they bring fire and at every final buzzer comes new growth,” said Ms Sarra.
Former New Zealand Silver Ferns captain, now Netball Queensland General Manager of Sport and Development Leigh Gibbs said she felt an extreme sense of pride seeing Rachael’s artwork.
“Having two sons of Maori heritage and strong contemporary Maori art connections, I believe it’s important for Australia’s indigenous culture to be recognised and what a wonderful way to do so with this powerfully beautiful dress,” Ms Gibbs said.
Also in attendance was the Hon. Leeanne Enoch MP – who was the first Aboriginal woman elected into Queensland Parliament.
“The playing dress design is incredible and features the themes of unity, energy, strength and support. This weekend is the Super Netball’s inaugural Indigenous Round, which is a great way to lead into NAIDOC Week – aptly themed, Because of her, we can and also acknowledging the contribution that First Nations women have to Australian society,” said Ms Enoch.
The Firebirds match against the Melbourne Vixens on Saturday afternoon at the Gold Coast Sports and Leisure Centre in Carrara will also have an indigenous theme.
There will be a traditional Welcome to Country and also a didgeridoo player and Aboriginal dancers in between quarters.
After their last start loss to the Lightning – Queensland slipped to the fourth on the ladder and Jemma knows just how vital a win over the Vixens will be.
“Hopefully the dress will give that extra oomph out on court and that we’re going to need for a hotly contested game, but it’s going to be a really important game to solidify our spot in the top four,” said Mi Mi.
The Firebirds are three-from-three at home this season and will be aiming to keep this unbeaten record intact against a Vixens side chasing four straight wins.
2018 NAIDOC Week celebrations will be held nationally from Sunday 8 – 15 July.
For more information, head to www.naidoc.org.au
