The 2022 North Shore United's First Nations uniform tells a beautiful story of one of Australia's most cherished native animals - the Wallaby.
The artwork was painted by the Wangal elder and artist Kerrie Kenton, who was introduced to the Franchise by the Hornsby Area Residents for Reconciliation.
Kenton is a painter and designer who also produces works on paper. Her works are inspired by her Indigenous heritage and the environment, and include brightly coloured decorative abstractions, as well as finely drawn illustrations of wildlife.
Her approach to her work reflects her commitment to her community, education and Reconciliation.
“In our chats with Kerrie, and in seeking the artwork, this is the story that she felt most appropriate for young netballers learning the game, supporting others and utilising their unique skills,” North Shore team manager Robyn Bramwell says.
“We can see this design being a great way to promote awareness and appreciation of First Nations people to our feeder teams over the coming years.
This is the first year that United have produced a First Nations dress.
“We have several players in the NSU teams who are very committed and wishing to raise awareness and promote an appreciation of Aboriginal culture and heritage.”
The story, Wallaby Dreaming (Wulambi Ngami), is wonderfully told and illustrated. Here Kenton outlines it for us:
By Kerrie Kenton
Long ago there was a little Wallaby. She felt small and alone, and not as important as her cousins, Grey and Red Kangaroo.
One day, keeping to herself, she heard crying. Jumping up high on the ridge to see where it was coming from, she saw two little children huddled together.
Climbing down she approached the children. “Why are you crying?” she asked.
“We are lost from our family,” said the children. “Can you help us?”
Wallaby told the children not to worry, that she knew every inch of the high country, and would find their family.
So, with the children in tow, she went from waterhole to waterhole searching, climbing high the sandstone to see… finding bush tucker for the children: waratahs, lillipillis, seeds and nuts.
This country was abundant with food, treats and yummy water.
The children still scared, tired and sad, Wallaby found her most prized food. Jumping higher and higher and between the rocks, she put her hand deep in the crevice and pulled out honey. So happy with her find, she shared it with the children. So happy they were, smiling and laughing and enjoying the day.
Wallaby told them stories and dressed their wounds with the honey. Happy and content, the children slept with their tummies full.
At first light, Wallaby woke the children for she had searched all night, and asked her friends - Redbelly & Kookaburra - if they had seen the family.
Wallaby led the children straight to their family. Tears of joy flowed and all rejoiced, praising Wallaby for her skill and knowledge of country to bring their children back to them.
The Ancestors praised Wallaby, telling her how important she is. Of her unique size, being able to reach the honey and her skill in being able to jump and climb the sandstone, and how her abundant knowledge of country made her a remarkable creature.
