Ballajura Year 7’s To Wear Local Indigenous Jumper

To coincide with the AFL indigenous round beginning on the 27 May the Ballajura Black year 7 team will be wearing an indigenous design jumper for their match against Ellenbrook Purple at Karijini oval Saturday 28 May. Designed by Narelle Ryder, the jumper was funded by the team themselves.

The Jumper carries the slogan "Boola Danjoo Yira Yarkiny" which translates to “Many together standing strong/tall"

Narelle provided the story line behind the various elements of the design saying “the Aboriginal coloured football is the symbol for the contributions Indigenous people have made to the game while the boomerang is the cultural symbol for the males' initiation to their culture when they become of certain age; as the boys are now. It is also our symbol for being 'culture proud' and 'culture strong', both; on and off the field.”

“As Ballajura's history refers to Emu Creek/Swamp and surrounding wetlands. I have included a fresh water creek that acknowledges the Aboriginal people who once settled in the area and used Emu Creek as their hunting ground and a fresh water source.”

“The footprints are a symbol for the club moving forward and producing champions. It also acknowledges the past and present traditional owners.”

“The black and white hands mean 'closing the gap' through building positive, lifelong relationships between parents and players via BJFC.”

“The big dots represent children and families networking and communicating alongside each other in support of 'closing the gap'.”

“The Dreamtime Stars at the top are Inspiring in a sense that they encourage our boys to, follow their dreams, reach for the stars, aim high, look up to their role models, and rise above challenging situations.”

The day will feature a Welcome to Country before the match paying respect to the traditional custodians of the area.
Ballajura has a diverse mix of cultures and football provides a common outlet where the community can come together as one. Football has community wide benefits engaging players, families and friends encouraging participation, creating community harmony and improving health while reducing anti-social behaviour.