Indigenous culture will once again be embodied in the North Queensland Toyota Cowboys Indigenous Jersey with a design titled ‘same but different’ by winning artist Beau Pennefather Motlop from Cairns.
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists were invited to submit their artwork depicting the Indigenous cultures to the Cowboys 2019 Indigenous Jersey Design Competition.
Feeling “extremely proud and lucky” to win the competition, Beau explained the meaning behind his unique design.
“I wanted to let people know that although Aboriginal people and Torres Strait Islander people have very different cultures we are all the same; Indigenous Australians,” Beau said.
The exclusive jersey goes on sale today and shows the Torres Strait headdress and the Aboriginal shield in the design, elements that both represent courage.
Beau believes that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture should be represented in all aspects of Australian life.
“It is one of the ways we are able to keep our culture alive,” Beau said.
The jersey will be worn by the playing squad in the Round 11 (May 25) away game against the Raiders, when the NRL celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in its annual Indigenous Round.
“I’m very excited to see my artwork created at home to be displayed on a national level. It's like the field becomes an art gallery,” Beau said.
The Cowboys Indigenous jersey exclusively features the Cowboys Community Foundation branding in the sternum position, thanks to a generous donation by major partner Diageo Australia.
Diageo Australia Marketing and Innovation Director Andrew Oughton said the company was proud to be able to support the Foundation and their invaluable work in supporting the Indigenous community in North Queensland.
“We saw it as an opportunity to promote the important work the Cowboys are doing in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities, and foster greater awareness about the newly established Cowboys Community Foundation,” Andrew said.
The Cowboys Community Foundation’s mandate is to improve employment, health and social outcomes for young North Queenslanders through education-based programs.
Behind the jersey design
The winning design by Beau represents:
- Courage: The Torres Strait head dress and the Aboriginal shield represent courage. Our ancestor warriors would need immeasurable amounts of courage to fight battles with neighbouring tribes and during colonisation.
- Integrity: The two hands, one black, one white, represent integrity and honesty. They are also a representation of unity and equality. When you swear an oath on a bible and state to tell the truth, you put one hand up.
- Committed: The Torres Strait drum and Aboriginal didgeridoo represent our commitment to keeping our culture alive through traditional dance and music, as well as sharing our culture.
- Unity: The circle dot patterns represent meeting places. The U-Shapes surrounding them represent people meeting in unity.
2020 Indigenous Jersey Design Competition - open now!
A record number of entries were received this year, with former Cowboy and community ambassador Ray Thompson judging entries.
Its Ray’s hope that the competition will once again attract many talented artists, with entries now being accepted to design the Cowboys 2020 Indigenous Jersey.
“I’m looking forward to seeing the variety of talent that represents Indigenous culture in the 2020 competition."
Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 15+ can enter for the chance to showcase their culture on a national stage in 2020! Competition closes Friday 29 March 2019 >>> more info
On sale now!
The eye-catching 2019 Indigenous Jersey is available in-store, online and by phone order at the Cowboys Team Shop, and from the Cowboys merch van on 2 March, at BB Print Stadium Mackay.
The jersey is available now in men’s, ladies and children’s sizes at the Cowboys Team Shop.
Buys yours!
Online: cowboysteamshop.com.au
Ph: 07 4724 8002
In person:
- Cowboys Team Shop, 335 Flinders Street, Townsville
- Merch van road trip, Mackay
