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Uniform for Firebirds Indigenous Round unveiled

A Queensland Indigenous artist is behind the design for the inaugural playing dress for the Queensland Firebirds netball team, which has been unveiled this morning.

Minister for the Arts Leeanne Enoch said local artist Rachael Sarra had designed the impressive uniform for the Firebirds especially for the upcoming Indigenous Round.

“The playing dress design is incredible and features the themes of unity, energy, strength and support,” Ms Enoch said.

“It is wonderful that Rachael, as a Queensland Indigenous artist, is able to showcase her talents on a huge national stage for the Suncorp Super Netball competition.

“It will also be a special occasion for the only Indigenous player in the league, Firebird Jemma Mi Mi, who helped unveil the playing dress today.

“This weekend is the Super Netball’s inaugural Indigenous Round, which is a great way to lead into NAIDOC Week and also acknowledge the contribution that First Nations women have made to Australian society.”

Titled Uniting Flames, Rachael Sarra said a vital process of her design was developing a story the artwork could represent.

“Fire was a huge theme in this artwork,” she said.

“Traditionally fire was used to create peace and harmony on the land and a back-burn would be used to create new growth. That was really important for me as an artist because that’s exactly what the Firebirds players do on the court – every game they bring fire and at every final buzzer comes new growth.”

Firebirds player Jemma Mi Mi said: “To be able to wear an indigenous Firebirds dress is going to be so special for me”.

“It’s going to be really exciting to step out on court at a home game in front of the Queensland crowd on Saturday to represent both the Firebirds and the indigenous community,” Ms Mi Mi said.

Former New Zealand Silver Ferns captain, now Netball Queensland General Manager of Sport and Development Leigh Gibbs said she felt an extreme sense of pride seeing Rachael’s artwork.

“Having two sons of Maori heritage and strong contemporary Maori art connections, I believe it’s important for Australia’s indigenous culture to be recognised and what a wonderful way to do so with this powerfully beautiful dress,” Ms Gibbs said.

The Queensland Firebirds will take on Melbourne Vixens on Saturday afternoon at Carrara Sports and Leisure Centre.

For more information, visit: https://qld.netball.com.au/

Photo: Firebirds player Jenna Mi Mi and Arts Minister Leeanne Enoch.