Indigenous culture has been embraced by a Camden Haven sporting team to help educate the community on the importance of inclusion.
Subscribe now for unlimited access.
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
Camden Haven Eagles Junior Rugby League members are now able to proudly wear shirts designed with a logo to pay tribute to the traditional owners of the nation.
The shirts were launched as part of the Indigenous rounds of NRL, so club members could pay their respect to the local Birpai/ Biripi people.
Proud Indigenous woman Kayla White said sport can be used as an important platform to celebrate culture on a wide scale.
She said it's the first time a Camden Haven club has established shirts to recognise Indigenous history and celebrate traditional culture.
"Hopefully we'll be able to see a few of the other clubs get involved and celebrate culture in a positive light to bring everyone together," she said.
Mrs White's father Tony Clark from KJC Aboriginal Artwork designed the artwork in partnership with the club.
The circle in the centre of the artwork symbolises the individual player, with other features such as dots and lines representing the players, family, committee and the community.
Mrs White liaised with the club's president and committee to ensure the design came to fruition.
Mrs White would love to see the shirts worn all year round, not only to tie in with the Indigenous rounds of NRL.
"It brings all the kids together to celebrate the true history of our culture," she said.
The club has been approached by members of the community since the launch of the designs on the shirts.
There are plans to expand merchandise to include the designs on a variety of different clothing.
Mrs White would one day like the community to recognise Indigenous art and culture as normal within society.
The Camden Haven Junior Rugby League Club embrace the local Indigenous totem Gumal (eagle) as their mascot.
What else is making news?
While you're with us, you can now receive updates straight to your inbox from the Port Macquarie News. To make sure you're up to date with all the news, sign up here.If you would like to support our journalists you can subscribe here.