Behind each Indigenous design are often unique stories of connection and country. And for proud Yorta Yorta woman Alkina Edwards those themes rang true when designing The Origin Australian Diamonds’ World Cup Dress.
Hailing from Echuca on the Murray River, in Yorta Yorta Nation, Edwards is the talented artist behind the design.
Her netball roots run deep, from playing with her local Indigenous club to joining the Rumbalara Football Netball Club in Shepparton, where she now lives.
For Alkina being part of that netball community and culture is so important to her, which comes to life through the story behind her artwork.
“The title of the artwork is ‘Ganurra’, meaning ‘blaze’ in my Yorta Yorta language. I really connected with the name of the artwork because I feel it represents the Australian Diamonds on and off the court as they play fierce like a large ball of fire,” she said.
“I wanted to make sure I represented the team and the Diamonds staff by depicting unity, strength and empowerment.
It marks the first time First Nations artwork has featured on the Diamonds uniform. “The women in the Gathering Circle represents the current, past and future Diamonds athletes.
“And within the background I've placed many symbols representing the land we walk on, native animals, and people.”
Alkina also wanted to recognise her own roots and added Victorian Indigenous line work within the piece.
“I wanted to represent that because that's the land my family come from and I'm culturally connected to,” she said.
When asked why she wanted to be involved in the project, Alkina said it was the perfect opportunity to represent who she is and to showcase her culture on an international stage.
“To me the Diamonds represent strength and empowerment. They’re also inspirational to the next generation of netballers that are through (the pathway),” she said.
“It’s important to recognise the First Nations artists.”
When the Diamonds run out on court in Cape Town for their first match of the Netball World Cup on July 28, there will be no one more proud than Alkina herself.
Alkina's beautiful artwork features on the teamwear and playing kit. “I’ll feel really proud seeing it (the dress) in action. It’s something I've worked really hard on and the entire moment is going to be really surreal and emotional,” she said.
Defender Courtney Bruce said the Diamonds were incredibly proud to wear the uniform.
“This is really special to the group – the moment we get to put this dress on and run out for our first World Cup game, the girls are going to absolutely love it. We’re excited to embrace the dress and embrace the history," Bruce said.
“It’s important that everyone feels like they are a part of the Diamonds journey – no matter who you are or where you come from. If you’re a young boy or girl watching at home, if you’re First Nations - we want this sport to be inclusive.”
Produced by the Origin Diamonds apparel partner New Balance, the artwork features on the Diamonds match-day uniform and teamwear.
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Netball Australia acknowledges and pays respect to the Traditional Custodians of the land, the Wurundjeri people, where Netball HQ is based, and to the traditional land you are on today too. We pay respect to their culture, history and Elders, past, present and future.
