Granville Waratah SFC honour the local Indigenous community
Last Friday night at Melita Stadium the Granville & District Soccer Football Association’s X League Match of the Round featured Granville Waratah SFC against Greystanes FC where the hosts donned a special Indigenous playing strip.
Granville Waratah Club President Noel Dona stated his elation in the process of seeing his senior men’s side pay its respects to the Indigenous community.
“At the start of the season we showed the lads the shirt and they all just went Wow, when can we wear it?
“At first it was to be worn just during NAIDOC Week and for the prestigious Cottam Cup, but the team didn’t want to wait, so we agreed to start wearing it now.”
The shirt was co-designed by Dona and local Aboriginal artist, Kate Wilbung Morgan and it truly showcases the local area and the Burramattagul people.
“Our traditional home ground is practically on the banks of Parramatta River, so it was obvious to feature the river, an eel and fish.
“Burramatta means ‘where the eels lie’ so an eel takes pride of place on the front of the shirt, together with the Magpie of the Association and of course the Waratah for our club. There are also hand prints on the shoulders which is traditional in aboriginal art and culture.
“On the back of the shirt is the bright sun and the Aboriginal warrior spearing fish from the Parramatta City emblem”, said Dona.
Designing the shirt was a steep learning curve for Dona as he expected the initial designs to have the red and brown ochres typical in Aboriginal art, however Morgan pointed out that those colours are typical in the outback but not in Dharug and Barramattagul country.
“We are very satisfied with the final design and the process and education provided by Kate. Granville Waratah will proudly wear this indigenous shirt and we hope it inspires every club to do the same as it promotes better relationships and harmony with our Aboriginal brothers and sisters and can only be good for everyone in our local communities”, said Dona.
