UC Capitals auction inaugural Indigenous Round jerseys for charity

The University of Canberra Capitals are holding a 13-day online auction for the jerseys worn for the club’s inaugural Indigenous Round to raise money for a local indigenous NGO.

100% of the proceeds will be donated to Gugan Gulwan, an Aboriginal youth centre located in the ACT suburb of Wanniassa. Gugan Gulwan works with its clients through a range of programs that go well beyond the services provided by most youth centres. It gives support to parents and the family unit, focusing on skills development for young people.

The players whose jerseys will be auctioned include:

• Abby Cubillo
• Kelsey Griffin
• Kia Nurse
• Marianna Tolo
• Kelly Wilson
• Keely Froling
• Maddison Rocci
• Lauren Scherf
• Kaili McLaren
• Elizajane Loader
• Hannah Young

The Leilani Mitchell jersey was auctioned at a private event and the Kristy Wallace jersey was donated.

The jerseys, worn on the December 16 home game during the 2018/19 WNBL season, were part of a broader project dedicated to celebrating Indigenous culture within basketball and the community, raising awareness to Indigenous needs, and aligning with the University of Canberra’s commitment to reconciliation and embracing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander perspectives in all areas of the University.

With two Indigenous players representing the UC Capitals in the 2018/19 season, Leilani Mitchell and Abby Cubillo, the club endeavoured to acknowledge and celebrate the Indigenous contribution to the club, the WNBL and basketball more broadly.

As well as wearing the special uniform and raising money for Gugan Gulwan, the UC Capitals also ran a skills clinic with a local indigenous basketball team, held a Welcome to Country before the game, and hosted a half-time performance by the Wiradjuri Echoes, among other things.

The design of the UC Capitals’ uniform is one that echoes the important place and role that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and cultures have in the University of Canberra.

The Indigenous treatment is based on original artwork painted by Lynnice Church a Ngunnawal/ Wiradjuri/Kamilaroi artist. It reflects the importance of forming strong partnerships and working hand in hand with community to achieve lasting impacts.

The Indigenous design project was initiated by the UC Office of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Leadership and Strategy in collaboration with Gilimbaa, an Indigenous creative agency specialising in culturally effective and appropriate communication strategies and design for the government, non-profit and corporate sectors.

The UC Capitals are proud of its history and its roots to the Ngunnawal land and people.

To bid on a jersey, click here.