The Gold Coast SUNS, in a proud display of its commitment to celebrating Indigenous culture, has unveiled its two bespoke Indigenous guernseys for the 2023 Sir Doug Nicholls Rounds. These uniquely designed jerseys prominently incorporate elements from “Our Cultural Journey”, an artwork collaboratively created by GC SUNS defender and Indigenous artist Jy Farrar and various members of the Gold Coast community.
Throughout the home matches at the Heritage Bank Stadium in 2022, spectators were given a unique opportunity to participate in the creation of the artwork. They added their fingerprints to the design, symbolising the unity of SUNS members, supporters, players, staff and the wider Gold Coast community in this cultural journey.
Expressing his pride, Farrar said, “The inspiration behind the artwork is that we wanted a painting that symbolised bringing everyone together. Having the broader community be part of its creation seemed the perfect way to do this.” The guernseys display the Gold Coast community’s unity, as represented by the fingerprints of their members, fans, and supporters.
The central design represents the club, surrounded by the dedicated members and supporters symbolically watching on. Stick shapes in the design symbolise the goal posts at Heritage Bank Stadium. The sun, a consistent element in four of the club’s previous Indigenous guernseys, warm-up shirts, and training apparel, is watermarked throughout the design, embodying the club’s journey’s centrepiece and foundation.
The sun holds a special significance, serving as a meeting place for everyone, fostering connections, and embracing individuals from various cultures and backgrounds. The guernseys also prominently feature both the crocodile and the eagle, designed by Larrakia artist Trent Lee and Yugambeh artist Luther Cora, respectively.
The crocodile symbolises the Northern Territory and the SUNS players who have a deep connection with its lands and waterways. The eagle, a totem for some of the traditional custodians of the land, represents the Gold Coast.
Adding a touch of history, the names of Indigenous SUNS players, both past and present, are also included on the back of the guernseys, continuing a tradition started in previous editions.
The blue guernsey will make its debut in the Round 10 QClash against the Brisbane Lions at the Gabba and will be auctioned after the game. The red guernsey will be donned for the Round 11 and Round 12 matches against the Western Bulldogs and Adelaide Crows in Darwin, respectively, and again as part of NAIDOC Week celebrations in Round 16 against Collingwood at Heritage Bank Stadium.
The 2023 Indigenous Guernseys are now available for purchase through the SUNS Shop online, offering fans an opportunity to own a piece of this remarkable cultural journey. This initiative by the Gold Coast SUNS not only fosters a sense of community but also promotes a deeper understanding and respect for Indigenous culture.
Click here to get yours https://shop.goldcoastfc.com.au/
