GVFUA launches indigenous uniform

By Zac Standish

Jun 30, 2022

Landmark occasion: The GVFUA launched its inaugural indigenous jumper ahead of this weekend’s GVL indigenous round. Pictured: GVFUA regional directort of umpiring Andrew Moore, GVFUA umpire Greg James, GVFUA umpire Bailey Wilson, Uncle Lance James and Moama Bowling Club’s Kate Christie. Photo: Aydin Payne

Keen observers will notice something a little bit different about the umpires as they take the field this weekend.

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As part of the GVL’s Indigenous round, the Goulburn Valley Football Umpires Association has launched its first-ever Indigenous jumper.

Designed by local first nations artist Tahnee Day, the jersey is inspired by her piece Peace by the lake and celebrates the region’s rich Indigenous culture.

One of the first umpires associations in Victoria to release an Indigenous jersey, GVFUA regional director of umpiring Andrew Moore explained how the idea how came about.

“It has been a six-month project,” Moore said.

“We’ve had a lot of feedback from umpires in recent years that with clubs getting their Indigenous shirts why can’t the umpires have one.

“So myself and Greg James started to work on the idea and we got hold of artist Tahnee Day, who had a beautiful drawing that we based it off.

“It was then put onto shirt and 19 versions later we’ve got the final product.”

Launching the jumper at a special presentation last Thursday evening, GVFUA umpire and Rumbalara chairperson Greg James explained the significance of the design.

“It is basically her reflections watching the longneck turtles on the lake becasue she works at the Kaiela Arts,” James said.

“So that image of the turtles swimming in the lake and the leaves falling down is where the inspiration came from.

“Being able to display this image on our shirts, it is certainly going to be a significant moment for us being the first time we have done this.

“I think all the umpires will pull this shirt on and feel very proud and connected to Aboriginal culture as they run out onto the field.”

Moore said excitement among the umpire ranks was at fever pitch, with everybody keen to get involved and pull on the jersey.

“Everyone is so keen to wear it and I think it is a very positive step,” he said.

“It’s an area I think we should have done something in a long time ago, but we are finally there now and the committee is very excited about it.

“We look forward to everyone in the community being able to see us in the jersey over the coming weeks.”

The GVFUA Indigenous jersey will make its debut for the GVL Indigenous round this weekend before being used again the following weekend for the KDL’s first nations celebration.