Bowls NSW and Shane Cook Launches First-Ever Indigenous Designed Shirt for the 2024/25 State Championships
Bowls NSW is proud to unveil an inaugural Indigenous designed shirt, created specifically for the 2024/25 State Championships.
The launch of the first-ever Bowls NSW Indigenous designed shirt marks a significant and meaningful step for us here at Bowls NSW. It represents both a commitment to celebrating Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture, and a first step for us in driving greater supplier diversity across our organisation. These are small, yet meaningful steps.
The striking design is the work of Shane Cook, a proud Wulli Wulli and Koa (Guwa) man, whose art has previously featured on Indigenous guernseys for the Adelaide Crows AFL team. Shane’s story is one of triumph and resilience and it has been a pleasure working alongside Shane in developing this shirt.
Shane’s creative practice is deeply influenced by both street and country environments, blending nature with urban landscapes, and drawing inspiration from his people and lived experiences. His artistic journey began at a young age, learning to paint from his mother before expanding into graffiti culture, murals, and tattooing.
The Story Behind the Design
Shane’s design has four symbolic layers that represent the spirit of our sport and the diverse community that makes up Bowls NSW. Each element tells a story, reinforcing the deep connections between our members, clubs, Regions and the land we play on:
Shared Passion and Connection:
Bowls is more than just a game. It’s a community built on camaraderie, respect, and lifelong friendships. This contemporary design reflects the deep bonds that form between teammates and competitors alike, symbolising the spirit of coming together, supporting one another, and celebrating the love of the sport.
Representation of Our 16 Regions:
Lawn bowls thrives in every corner of New South Wales, from city hubs to regional towns and everywhere in between. This design honours the 16 regions that make up NSW, recognising their unique contributions in helping to grow the sport across the state. It is a tribute to our Regions, clubs, volunteers, and members who keep the game alive and thriving at every level.
Diversity Across All Levels:
Bowls is a game for everyone, regardless of age, gender, background, or ability. This design serves as a visual reminder that bowls is open to all, allowing individuals to participate and enjoy the game at any level.
Respect for Country:
As we play, compete, and gather on greens across the state, it is important to acknowledge the land we play on and the First Nations peoples who have cared for it for thousands of years. This design recognises that all Country is connected, just as our members, clubs, Regions and communities are.
The Indigenous designed State Championships shirt will be available for pre-order for all State Championship attendees and can be collected from Cherry Street Bowling Club during the Championships. Pre-order yours here.
Bowls NSW plans to continue its engagement with First Nations individuals into the future as we develop a line of merchandise to amplify the beauty of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Island culture.
