Bearing the logo of the Collingwood Football Club (CFC) Foundation’s Barrawarn Program, designed by artist, Dixon Patton, the guernsey highlights the Magpies’ commitment to Australia’s first people.
Patton said: “It’s definitely exciting, rewarding and surreal to see my design adorn Collingwood’s guernsey for the AFL’s Indigenous Round next week.
“The Barrawarn Program is all about helping young Indigenous people break through barriers and building communities, a theme I tried to symbolise through the pair of hands reaching out, which is central to the logo.”
Barrawarn guernseys worn during the round 11 match against St Kilda will be auctioned, with proceeds going to the Rumbalara Football and Netball Club, and Fitzroy Stars Football, organisations supporting Indigenous communities in Shepparton and Northern Melbourne respectively.
Established in 2012, the Barrawarn Program is an initiative of the CFC Foundation and AFL Sportsready, supporting young Indigenous people through education and employment opportunities, empowering youth by providing career pathways.
Barrawarn is a woi wurrung, the language of the Wurundjeri people, word for Magpie.
Barrawarn Program participants develop vocational skills and attain nationally recognised qualifications, with trainees working within AFL Victoria’s regional development areas, making a significant impact on the elite development pathway for young Indigenous people.
School based participants are placed with a range of different organisations within the cities of Yarra and Darebin in areas such as sports and business administration, and hospitality.
Recently expanded after garnering the support of the Victorian Government, the Barrawarn Program has already placed 35 Indigenous jobseekers into full-time employment at partner organisations, including Linfox, Westpac and the Peter McCallum Cancer Centre, a figure poised to grow in the year ahead.
Head to the Collingwood Football Club Foundation's website to learn more about the Barrawarn Program.
A close up image of Collingwood's Indigenous Round guernsey.
