Blackfriars' inaugural first xviii indigenous guernsey unveiled

To coincide with NAIDOC Week, Blackfriars is delighted to unveil its inaugural Indigenous guernsey, to be worn by the First XVIII.

The reversible jumper’s design mimics the artwork on the school’s Welcome to Kaurna Country statement piece at the entrance to the school, created by award-winning Aboriginal landscape architect and visual artist Paul Herzich.

Mr Herzich was delighted to again play a role in Blackfriars’ acknowledgement of the Kaurna people.

“The AFL has a strong Indigenous representation on the field at many levels and their programs play a big part within Indigenous communities by supporting senses of health and wellbeing, identity, inclusion, aspiration and leadership to name a few,” Mr Herzich said.

“For Blackfriars to acknowledge Kaurna people by applying the school’s unique Welcome to Kaurna Country Artwork to the AFL jumper design is an honour. It shows a great deal of respect for our people and our culture, as well as highlights the school’s commitment towards its players, the game, the round and its connection to Country.

“All Blackfriars players who wear the AFL jumper adorning the artwork should feel proud to run out onto the field with it on as it means more than they might currently know. I wish them all the very best for their future AFL games.”

*_{Blackfriars’ new, reversible Indigenous guernsey.}*

Deputy Principal Brett Knowles, who also coaches the First XVIII, was proud of the jumper and the school’s recognition of the Kaurna people.

“This is a wonderful public statement of First Nations acknowledgement,” Mr Knowles said. “I’m very much looking forward to seeing our boys run out in the new guernsey.”

The First XVIII will wear the Indigenous guernsey in selected upcoming matches. The design will be replicated for other senior sporting teams.

National NAIDOC Week celebrations are held across Australia in the first week of July each year to celebrate and recognise the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories and participate in celebrations of the oldest, continuous living cultures on earth.

Meanwhile, the team from Swanbury Penglase has been honoured at the 2023 Australian Institute of Landscape Architects (AILA) Awards for its work on Blackfriars’ Jubilee Walkway. Swanbury Penglase took out the Health and Education Award for the project, which includes the Welcome to Country artwork.