Proud Wonnarua woman Emma Smith is a person in demand, just take a look at what she’s been up to already this year.
She recently travelled to Tasmania to take part in the 2022 National Netball Championships as an import player for Netball ACT. She was then part of the Netball NSW First Nations All Stars Program and took the court at Ken Rosewall Arena in the curtain-raiser to the GIANTS’ Suncorp Super Netball win over the Adelaide Thunderbirds.
As if that hasn’t been enough to keep her occupied, the talented defender is also a proud member of the QBE Swifts Academy and one of the most exciting prospects in the Sutherland Stingrays’ Under 23s setup.
With all of that happening, you’d forgive Smith for not wanting to take anything else on, but sometimes projects are too close to your heart to turn down.
When the Stingrays approached Smith to design the franchise’s First Nations dress for the 2022 Origin Energy Premier League First Nations Round, the defender jumped at the chance.
Her design would be dedicated to the powerful collective bond that’s formed in the Sutherland Shire since the Stingrays’ inception in 2016.
“My painting represents all Stingrays players and the women involved in our lives in the past, future and present,” Smith says.
“All the Stingrays are swimming towards a meeting place where women all gather to gain knowledge and wisdom.
“The gathering place represents all strong women in the Stingrays’ lives; including mothers, grandmothers, aunties, elders, coaches, managers and friends.”
As well as the people who have made the Stingrays special to Smith’s heart, the pathway athlete also pays tribute to the game of netball which has given her so much.
“The top left symbolises netball… it’s another meeting place where we all come together to share our mutual love for the sport.
“The meeting place is defined by three fine lines travelling up (the journey) and the three white circles represent rest stops on someone’s netball pathway and journey, from playing club netball to representing the Association and progressing on proudly to playing Metro and Premier League.
“The rest stops are only ever temporary, but play a crucial role along the journey as they mould you for the next rest stop on your journey.”
One of the standout elements of the design is the presence of four stingrays, which again highlight Smith’s love of the game and her desire to ensure diversity and inclusion remain at the forefront of it.
“The four stingrays are all designed differently representing four completely different people with different personalities, cultures, and lifestyles but they are all stingrays gathered for the one reason, to play netball.
“Symbols of people, women and men are incorporated throughout the artwork to demonstrate that netball is a sport for everyone to play, spectate, volunteer and support freely in a safe environment.”
A beautiful piece of art, and a wonderful story brilliantly told. Well done Emma.