Photo Credit: Melbourne Renegades
The Melbourne Renegades will wear its new First Nations kit in Sunday’s clash with the Sydney Sixers.
Crafted by local artist Bayley Mifsud, this beautiful design will be worn for the first time at the WACA and remain a prominent feature of the Renegades’ WBBL|09 and BBL|13 campaigns.
Mifsud, known by her Aboriginal name Merindah-Gunya, meaning ‘Beautiful Spirit’, is a proud descendent of Peek and Kirrae Whurrong clans of the Maar nation from South-West Victoria (Warrnambool).
The talented artist was joined by Renegades’ Ella Hayward, a proud Jawoyn woman, earlier this year and together explored the significance of the design and what it should represent.
The result is a powerful symbol of unity, portraying 11 players coming together at a central meeting place: the cricket oval. This unique artwork also symbolizes the profound connection between the players and the land, underscoring the significance of the natural environment in Australia’s Indigenous culture.
The design will feature on the front and back of the uniforms, as well as the peaks of the players’ caps.
Hayward expressed her pride in the collaboration.
“I feel incredibly honoured to represent my culture and people for the club and help make something really special,” Hayward said.
“Bayley has done an incredible job, the kit looks amazing. She’s put a lot of time and effort into this, and to have let me share in the creative process is a huge thing. I’m extremely grateful and proud.”
Sunday’s double-header at the WACA includes the Perth Scorchers’ annual Aboriginal Match, with the Renegades accepting an invitation to wear their new First Nations kit. The day will showcase Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture and ceremony, including a barefoot circle, Welcome to Country and the incorporation of local languages.
The Melbourne Renegades will continue their commitment to celebrating Indigenous talent and pathways by hosting their own First Nations match, on November 19 against the Hobart Hurricanes at CitiPower Centre.
Fans eager to be a part of the Melbourne Renegades’ First Nations game can purchase tickets by visiting melbournerenegades.com.au/tickets
Fans also have the opportunity to own a piece of this historic artwork, with prints of Bayley Mifsud’s artwork will be available for purchase through her website: merindahgunya.com.au
