Superstars: Alkina Edwards (middle) with the Australian Diamonds. Photo: Supplied
From an artistic recreation of one of Australian netball’s most iconic moments to designing a playing uniform that will be synonymous with the country’s World Cup campaign, Echuca’s Alkina Edwards has developed a once-in-a-lifetime artwork.
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The Australian Diamonds netball dresses at the World Cup in South Africa will feature First Nations artwork for the first time on the sport’s biggest stage, designed by local artist and Yorta Yorta woman Edwards.
Australia’s uniforms were revealed on Monday, with Edwards saying it “means the absolute world to me” to see her design and culture on display.
“I feel so much pride in my identity and culture and I believe it is so important to share my culture with many,” Edwards said.
“I believe showcasing my artwork on such a big platform creates conversations surrounding unity, celebration, reconciliation and recognition for Indigenous peoples.
“I also believe when mob get opportunities like this other mob are inspired and empowered.”
Edwards said she was approached by Netball Australia to produce the piece, titled Ganurra, after producing a drawing of Donnell Wallam’s famous game-clinching goal against England last year.
Meaning ‘blaze’ in the Yorta Yorta language, Edwards drew inspiration from her cultural knowledge and connection to Yorta Yorta country, incorporating various symbols and elements into the design to represent unity, strength, and the land.
“The reason I chose the title ‘blaze’ is because is I believe it is a fitting representation of our Australian Diamonds,” Edwards said.
“To me, the Diamonds translate this on to the netball court when they play. They are strong, powerful and fierce, like a fire.
“I also took a lot of inspiration from cultural knowledge and connection of the land I live on, which is Yorta Yorta country.
“Within the design I have many symbols starting with the gathering circle in the middle, which represents the unity and strength of the team and how it takes a collective to succeed.
“The symbols of women within the gathering circle represent the playing group and the lines are aimed to signify the Australian Diamonds staff.
“The background is the land we walk and come from, which is home to the oldest living culture in the world, and it was essential I acknowledged this.”
Diamonds bring the fire: Alkina's uniform design is titled Ganurra, the word for 'blaze' in the Yorta Yorta language. Photo: Origin Diamonds
Edwards’ designs have also been widely adopted at sporting clubs throughout Victoria, including 11 clubs in the Goulburn Valley League for the two-week Indigenous Round.
“It has been a dream come true to me seeing so many people wear my art on their uniforms with so much pride,” she said.
"You want people to be proud of the oldest living culture in the world and celebrate that. From creating my art, sharing my stories with others, I have been able to create so many beautiful friendships that I will treasure forever.“
Edwards now lives and plays netball herself in Shepparton, and her artwork will be on display when Australia runs out for its first game of the tournament on July 28 against Zimbabwe.
