The North Queensland Toyota Cowboys proudly continue to recognise Indigenous culture across Australia, unveiling their exclusive 2018 Indigenous jersey at Cowboys HQ today.
The jersey is available now in men’s and children’s sizes at the Cowboys Team Shop, with ladies’ sizes available on pre-order.
This year’s unique Cowboys design – “Reef meets land” – was developed by Kalkadoon artist Luke Duffy, who said the design reflects his Indigenous heritage and the proud connection he has to his culture.
“The concept came to me while having a conversation with my partner, and together we came up with the design to use iconic places such as the Great Barrier Reef and the wonderful landscapes of outback Queensland,” Mr Duffy said.
A Townsville local, Mr Duffy also won the 2015 Indigenous jersey design competition, and is excited to again represent his traditional owner group and the support they share for the Cowboys.
“Having both 2015 and 2018 winning designs is a great achievement for me personally as a Kalkadoon artist from Mount Isa. I am honoured that it will be showcased on a national level and hope my design brings joy to the community and pride to the Cowboys in 2018.
“The NRL and Cowboys are doing an amazing job in acknowledging first nation people through the Indigenous Round and by the great work they do in the community, and I am truly blessed and humbled that I won and also acknowledge all of deadly artists who applied,” he said.
The Cowboys Indigenous jersey exclusively features the Cowboys Community Foundation branding in the sternum position, thanks to a generous donation by major partner Diageo Australia.
Diageo Australia Marketing & Innovation Director Adam Ballesty said the company was proud to be able to support the Foundation and their invaluable work in supporting the Indigenous community in North Queensland.
“We saw it as an opportunity to promote the important work the Cowboys are doing in collaboration with Aboriginal and Torres Strait communities, and foster greater awareness about the newly established Cowboys Community Foundation,” Mr Ballesty said.
“The Foundation is doing remarkable work in the Indigenous space, particularly in supporting students through secondary schooling at the NRL Cowboys House and we’re proud to do our bit in helping them achieve their goals.”
The Cowboys Community Foundation’s mandate is to improve employment, health and social outcomes for young North Queenslanders through education-based programs, including NRL Cowboys House.
Foundation director Fiona Pelling said the donation was a true reflection of partnerships and demonstrates the Cowboys' strong relationships with long-term major partners.
“We’re lucky to have such a rapport with partners like Diageo Australia, and we thank them for the opportunity to build a greater profile for the work the Foundation is doing by creating opportunities, and inspiring futures through education,” Ms Pelling said.
The Cowboys will proudly don the special edition jersey in the Round 10 (May 10) away game clash with Wests Tigers, as the NRL celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures in its annual Indigenous Round.
The eye-catching piece is available in-store, online and by phone order at the Cowboys Team Shop, and from the Cowboys merch van on its way this week to Cairns for Saturday's pre-season trial against Wests Tigers.
ON SALE NOW!
Online: cowboysteamshop.com.au
Tel: 07 4724 8002
In person:
• Cowboys Team Shop, 335 Flinders Street, Townsville
• Cairns merch van road trip & Cairns trial game, Sat 17 Feb >>> more info
2019 Indigenous jersey design competition: Entries are now open for the Cowboys 2019 Indigenous jersey design competition, giving Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artists aged 15+ the chance to showcase their culture on a national stage! >>> more info
