Photo Credit: Sydney Thunder
Thunder set to wear Indigenous playing kit on January long weekend
Sydney Thunder will honour Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history by wearing its Indigenous playing shirt in its KFC Big Bash League match against the Adelaide Strikers on Monday night.
Designed by Rheanna Lotter, a Sydney-based Yuin woman, the playing shirt symbolises the connection, commitment and inclusivity of the Thunder Nation.
The Perth Scorchers and Melbourne Renegades will also wear their Indigenous strips in matches on January 23 and 26.
Indigenous playing shirts have been worn across different sports for some time, but it is the first time they will be used over the January long weekend.
Thunder fast bowler and proud Worimi man Brendan Doggett hopes the initiative will help spark conversations across the country.
“I hate conflict. So I am of the opinion if we can all merge forward together that’s ideal,” said Doggett.
“The way we’re going to do that is by starting conversations and talking about it and acknowledging the history of what’s happened.
“If we wear the kit and hopefully even start one conversation then that is a win.
“For me now it’s more of a day to just recognise and acknowledge the history and everything that has happened. And do it respectfully.
“It makes me want to make sure that everyone’s moving forward together.
“It’s a pretty dark past but if we can move forward, together and united then in my opinion that’s the best result.”
In addition to wearing this special strip, players will take part in a Barefoot Circle to connect to country and acknowledge the traditional owners of the land.
“When you are a business operating under a Reconciliation Action Plan, it does come with responsibility and accountability to lead on key reconciliation issues,” said Adam Cassidy, Cricket Australia’s Diversity and Inclusion Manager.
“In an ideal world what we’re trying to do is create a safe and inclusive environment for everybody.”
Indigenous Playing Shirt Auction
Sydney Thunder is auctioning limited-edition playing shirts to support OzHarvest and help raise valuable funds to provide meals to those in need across the Thunder Nation.
OzHarvest is Australia’s leading food rescue organisation, collecting quality excess food from commercial outlets and delivering it directly to more than 1,300 charities supporting people in need across the country.
>> CLICK HERE TO VIEW THE AUCTION
OzHarvest delivers nourishing food to more than 1,500 charities across Australia, including over 200 agencies that support the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
Name of Author: Sydney Thunder
The Sydney Thunder is an Australian professional cricket team competing in the Big Bash League (BBL). Based at Sydney Showground Stadium, the Thunder, along with the Sydney Sixers, succeeded the New South Wales Blues from the defunct KFC Twenty20 Big Bash.
