Diamonds World Cup uniform to feature First Nations artwork for first time

Australia’s Diamonds have revealed their team uniform for the upcoming Netball World Cup, and the design for the first-time ever includes First Nations artwork.

Netball World Cup

Australia Group A

July 28 – vs ZimbabweJuly 29 – vs TongaJuly 30 – vs Fiji

The team will join 15 other countries in South Africa for the tournament, which runs from July 28 to August 6.

The design for the uniforms includes artwork from Yorta Yorta woman Alkina Edwards, with the title “Ganurra”, which means blaze in Yorta Yorta language.

The design features a gathering circle, to symbolise the unity and strength of the team.

The symbols of women within the gathering circle represent the playing group and the lines represent the Diamonds’ staff.

The background represents the land, while lines in the background refer to First Nations people in Victoria.

The designer, who comes from Echuca but currently lives and plays netball in Shepparton, said being part of that netball community and culture was important to her.

“To me, the Diamonds represent strength and empowerment,” Edwards said.

“I really connected with the name of the artwork because I feel it represents the Australian Diamonds on and off the court as they play fiercely like a large ball of fire.”

Edwards produced a drawing of Wallam to mark the Diamonds’ player’s winning goal on debut last year.

The players have said they are excited to wear the new design at the tournament.

“This is really special to the group. The moment we get to put this dress on and run out for our first World Cup game, the girls are really going to love it. We’re really excited to embrace the dress and embrace the history,” Australian defender Courtney Bruce said.

“It’s important that everyone feels they are part of the Diamonds’ journey no matter who you are or where you come from.

“If you’re a young boy or girl watching at home, if you are First Nations — we want this sport to be inclusive.”

The Diamonds will be looking to avenge their one-goal defeat to New Zealand in the 2019 tournament, and have announced their 12 players and three reserves for South Africa.

The team’s first preliminary game will be against Zimbabwe on July 28.

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