University of Western Australia
UWA Sport is celebrating NAIDOC Week (July 2 – 9) which provides an opportunity to celebrate the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, including the students and staff of UWA.
NAIDOC stands for National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee and dates back to Aboriginal groups that formed in the 1920s to raise awareness of the status and treatment of their people.
NAIDOC Week is an opportunity for all Australians to learn about First Nations cultures and histories. This year’s theme, “For Our Elders,” seeks to recognise the important role of Elders in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander cultures, and to acknowledge the contributions of Elders both past and present to their communities.
UWA Sport recognises and acknowledges the ongoing contribution of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Elders to our sporting communities and families.
Meet Aaron Sutton and the inspiring story behind the design
In 2021, UWA Sport staff participated in a workshop facilitated by Aaron Sutton, a UWA graduate and Aboriginal artist from central Australia, to generate ideas to serve as inspiration for a mural to represent sport at UWA.
Residing on Whadjuk Noongar Boodjar, Aaron paints under the name Jungari. Aaron has learned the traditional way of painting from his father, renowned artist Jabaljarri, and has developed his own style rooted in culture and tradition.
This project culminated in an Indigenous artwork featuring the Waagyl being installed and unveiled at the UWA Recreation and Fitness Centre, drawing on the contributions of UWA Sport staff to develop and inspire the final product.
As told by Aaron, the background of the artwork represents the students, staff, sport clubs, and wider community of sport at UWA, showing the continuing journey to be regarded as leaders in sports participation, performance and inclusion.
The sun is the centre point, representing the start of students’ journey in sports, radiating out to shine a light to bring the community together. The Waagyl flows through the art connecting significant sporting locations and meeting places. The Maali sits proudly to remind representative teams to stand proud when wearing the Maali uniform, just like the Maali when it gained back its feathers. The handprints alongside the door represent all of us walking together on this journey of reconciliation and inclusion through sport.
Aaron Sutton, UWA student and Self-Made Indigenous Corporation Founder
This inspiring depiction of sport at UWA also involved students in its creation. Handprints of players from the University’s 2022 University Basketball League team were included in the design to signify the students’ connection to sport, community, and land upon which the University of Western Australia is situated.
Founded by Aaron and his wife Quintilla on the back of connections made at UWA, Self-Made Indigenous Corporation (SMIC) was integral in the development and creation of the mural design through their program, Deadly Minds. Participants in the program were given the opportunity to assist in the creation of the final mural design displayed in the UWA Recreation and Fitness Centre. Awarded ‘Program of the Year’ at the 2023 NAIDOC Perth Awards, Deadly Minds aims to develop strong connections with Indigenous youth, encouraging them to use art to relieve stress and anxiety and to improve their mental health and well-being.
Western Waagyls secure top 10 at the 27th Indigenous Nationals
UWA Western Waagyls competed in the 27th Indigenous Nationals at Monash University, Naarm on Monday 26 June 2023.
Indigenous Nationals is week-long multisport competition for indigenous student athletes, with the aim of bringing together student athletes from universities across Australia. UWA Western Waagyls produced a solid performance in the most competitive UniSport Australia Indigenous Nationals campaigns.
Overall, UWA Western Waagyls ranked high in each of the four sports over the week with each day focusing on a specific sport. UWA scored 121 points and placed 6th overall in a field of 33 universities.
Congratulations to the Western Waagyls team for an incredible campaign at the 27th Indigenous Nationals. See the following UWA ranking in each of the sport.
UWA Western Waagyls Ranking:
Basketball – 6th
Netball – 15th
Touch Rugby – 6th
Volleyball – 4th
*ranking scores as per UniSport Australia results*
For more information on Indigenous Nationals and details of the competition, please visit UniSport Australia.