Canberra Netball Association unveils indigenous artwork for 2022 reconciliation week.

Canberra Netball Association (CNA) is proud to unveil their 2022 indigenous artwork that will be used as part of their netball uniforms and will feature in the new pavilion that will be built later this year.

The artwork was created by indigenous artist Kalara Gilbert, a Wiradjuri woman living in North Canberra.

Gilbert told CNA Media that the artwork is a representation of all netball teams with the large circles and ‘U’ shapes representing the team, coaches, and managers.  The smaller circles with seven ‘U’ shapes represents the team and the seven playing positions on the court. 

The radiating patterns represent the ripples that are created by community sport and the positive impact it has on its participants.  It also represents the rain falling on the courts.

“I created this artwork in the hope that it creates understanding, opens up conversation and promotes acceptance”, said Ms Gilbert.

“It is really important for our people to be represented and to feel welcome in these sporting clubs and seeing Aboriginal designs celebrated and worn with pride is the first step”, she said.

Melinda Connor, vice-president of competition for the Canberra Netball Association said that the core values of CNA include community and respect.

“We want our association to be a place where all people can come together for a love of our sport, and to feel welcome, to be a part of a team, a community… we also know people go where they can see themselves represented”, Ms Connor said.

“We want our wider CNA community to see the value that we place in honouring the traditional custodians of this land and their history and culture”, she said.

The artwork will be unveiled during the North Canberra Netball Competition Reconciliation round on Saturday 4^th June 2022 and will hang in the new clubhouse in Lyneham.