Surf Coast Suns Launch their Indigenous Netball Dress

The 2020 season will see the Surf Coast Suns launch an Indigenous designed Netball Dress to be worn by all Netball teams from U13 to U19 at different stages of the season.

The Design was completed by local Indigenous artist Nathan Patterson, who in the past has designed indigenous football jumpers for a number of clubs in the AFL.

Titled “Together under one Sun” the feather and gum leaves represent Bunjils country, the cross hatching through the middle represents Wathaurong Land, the blue strip is the Ocean and the Sun as a meeting place symbolizing the Club and Community, young and old.

Michael Thomas, club president explained, ‘This project solidifies who we are as a club. We believe by doing this, it will show the Torquay and greater regional area that we are community minded and accepting of cultural diversity, while encouraging discussion of local indigenous sensitivities, and recognize the important history of Aboriginal Australia.’

Under 17 Netballer Lauren Jakobi said, ‘it’s a cool design, which showcases indigenous art and the importance of our native culture in our sporting society today.’

Suns Vice President of Netball Amber Potter continued, ‘It’s also a great way to celebrate the first Suns team to play in an U19 competition. Many of these girls have been playing through juniors together, so it’s a wonderful way to recognize their graduation if you like into the next stage of their netball development.’

The Suns were successful applicants for a grant from Torquay Community Enterprise to realise this project.
The Dress will be officially launched round 1 of the AFL Barwon Winter season with the first game of a Suns U19 Team.

Should anyone wish to play for the Suns or would like further information, check out their website surfcoastsuns.com, or contact admin@surfcoastsuns.com.