Newcastle Northstars reveal NAIDOC Week Jersey

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To celebrate NAIDOC week in 2024 the Newcastle Northstars collaborated with local Indigenous artist, Nina Ross of Baayanya by Nina, to create a design called ‘Stars on Fire’. The special jersey will be worn when the Northstars face off against the Adelaide Adrenaline at Hunter Ice Skating Stadium on Saturday July 13^th.
 
Baayanya by Nina also created the ‘Country Under the Stars’ design for the Northstars home opener Indigenous game last year. Nina is a proud Aboriginal woman with connections to Anaiwan and Dunghutti areas of NSW. You can find more of Nina’s work here.
 
National Aboriginal and Islander Day Observance Committee (NAIDOC) week 7th July – 14th July 2024 is an annual celebration of the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.
 
This year's NAIDOC week ‘Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud’ theme celebrates the unyielding spirit of our Indigenous communities and invites all to stand in solidarity, amplifying the voices that have long been silenced.
 
NAIDOC explain that “the fire represents the enduring strength and vitality of Indigenous cultures, passed down through generations despite the challenges faced. It is a symbol of connection to the land, to each other, and to the rich tapestry of traditions that define Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.
As we honour this flame, we kindle the sparks of pride and unity, igniting a renewed commitment to acknowledging, preserving, and sharing the cultural heritage that enriches our nation.” You can read more about the NAIDOC theme here.
 
Nina Ross explains the incorporation of this year’s NAIDOC theme in her design “framing the artwork and pointing inwards towards the heart of the composition are the NAIDOC theme’s flames, keeping the fire burning and igniting us to speak up against racism, to speak up for respect and to speak up for First Nations justice.”
 
“Along these Songlines are the footprints of both Aboriginal and non-Indigenous people walking together for reconciliation, to celebrate First Nations cultures and histories and to fight for black justice, now more than ever.”
 
“In the very background you can see the blue of the Saltwater Country that follows the coastline of Awabakal Country. The bubbles visible represent all the creatures swimming that call the ocean home.”
 
Muloobinba (the traditional name for Newcastle in Awabakal language means ‘place of sea fern’) is on Awabakal Country. Newcastle also sits on Worimi Country to the north, Wonnarua Country to the west and Darkinjung Country to the south.
 
“Within each flame, there are symbols and mark-making to represent connection, community, mob, and native flora and fauna. The Aboriginal Nations that are neighbouring to Awabakal Country are featured within the burning flames – Awabakal Country, Wonnarua Country, Darkinjung Country and Worimi Country.
 
“On the very surface of the artwork are eight concentric circles that symbolise the stars at night and the Ancestors watching over us. Around these circles are white sitting symbols that represent the Northstars team members, and the people symbols inside the circles represent the men, women and children supporters of the players.”
 
Shannen Keddie, proud Wiradjuri Ngunnawal woman, highlighted the importance of showcasing Indigenous culture and what it means to her as a AIHL and Northstars fan “the NAIDOC jerseys are one of my favourites every year. Seeing the sport I love so much and supporting my community is a huge point of pride for me.”

“I love any opportunity to share my culture with those who are willing to learn. This year's theme is exactly what that is about. Keep the fire burning! Black, Loud and Proud encourage us to speak up against racism, engage in truth-telling and be proud of our community and how far we've come.”
 
“Now more than ever, it's important for our friends and allies to support our community, stand up against injustice and racism, and celebrate one of the world's oldest living cultures.”
 
“I am so excited to see this year's NAIDOC jersey and watch our boys do what they do best.”
 
This sentiment of excitement, belonging and pride was echoed by Dion Secomb, proud Gamilaroi woman living on Awabakal Country, working within community.


“I was so proud to see our club do an Indigenous round last year! It is really wonderful and brings me so much pride to see my culture represented within the club but it also brings so much joy to rep our team out in my community.” 
 
“Josh (Dion’s husband and Newcastle Northstars Strength and Conditioning Coach) got to join us for the NAIDOC march this year in last year’s jersey and got quite a few cheers for the Northstars. The jersey creates conversation! Can you believe some people don’t even know we have an ice rink on Awabakal Country!
 
“I hope the jerseys and the celebration of culture become a new tradition, one we can continue.”
 
The celebration of culture and sense of community is shared by Northstars Head Coach, Kevin Noble who offered his perspective on the significance of NAIDOC week as a Canadian in Australia.
 
“I'm a big supporter of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community as a whole. I can't speak to it from a citizen of Australia as I'm not that, but I can speak to it from how important it is to me as a Canadian and to recognise the First Nations people of Canada. I feel the same way about that with the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people here.”
 
The Newcastle Northstars will wear their NAIDOC jerseys on Saturday, 13th July, against Adelaide Adrenaline in front of a sell-out home crowd.
 
The game-worn jerseys will be available via silent auction during the game in the pro-shop.