The West End Redbacks and SA Scorpions will proudly be wearing newly designed shirts this upcoming domestic season, featuring First Nation artwork by local artist Steven Warrior.
Steven is a Narungga, Kokatha and Kaurna artist who has been heavily involved with SACA in the last few seasons, including creating the artwork for SACA’s inaugural Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) which was launched in January.
Aspects of the RAP artwork will be included on the Scorpions WNCL shirts and the Redbacks Marsh Cup shirts.
There are three main designs that feature on the WNCL and Marsh Cup kits:
FOOTPRINTS
The footprints represent the SACA RAP journey for both the Aboriginal and non-Aboriginal community. This extends not only to the SACA organisation but all South Australians that play cricket. The lines and circles underneath the footprints (in blue) represent the significant milestones we will make towards reconciliation.
DARK RED BACKGROUND LINES
Represents the traditional lands of the language groups in South Australia.
MEETING PLACES
Three circle meeting places in the middle represents the head offices of SACA. The hands represent the employees of SACA and their commitment to reconciliation and the game which is presented by three cricket balls for men, women and junior cricket.
A circle that represents SACA’s meeting places will also feature on the sleeves of the Redbacks’ Sheffield Shield shirts.
SACA’s Diversity and Inclusion Manager Matt Lucas said it was fantastic that the organisation was able to continue its work with Steven and further showcase his art.
“SACA proudly launched our Reconciliation Action Plan in January 2023 with Steven playing a major role in producing the artwork,” Matt said.
“Since the launch, Steven has worked with SACA to incorporate the main elements of the artwork onto the Redbacks and Scorpions shirt design for the 2023/24 season.
“Through this design, SACA hopes to demonstrate the commitment to the SACA Reconciliation Action Plan and embrace the First Nations cultures by wearing Steven’s design for the entirety of the season.”
Steven explained the meaning behind the artwork to both the Redbacks and Scorpions players and support staff last week and said it was a privilege to share the stories with the playing groups.
“Thank you to SACA for giving me the opportunity to be able to come up with the artwork, it's definitely a project that I've taken pride in,” Steven said.
“What we’ve done with the shirt is an honour for me, because you see the Indigenous Rounds throughout a number of different sports, where they wear a shirt for only one round.
“SACA is one of the first to wear a First Nations shirt every game, so to be able to be part of that is great for me but it also shows SACA is really leading the way when it comes to Indigenous programs.”
In preparation for receiving their new kit, Redbacks and Scorpions players last week donated their old uniforms to the SACA Inclusive League. This apparel recycling initiative is from the SACA Sustainability Group.
The Scorpions will wear their new shirt for the first time in their opening WNCL match on Saturday, September 22 against ACT at Karen Rolton Oval, while the Redbacks will don it in their opening Marsh Cup match on Tuesday, September 26 against WA at Allan Border Field.