Students at Byford Secondary College’s Follow the Dream program presented the Mundijong Centrals Football Club with a new jersey for their Indigenous round on Saturday, reflecting the community and culture of the club’s environment.
The jersey was designed by students Ruby Garlett, Lexie Jefferies, Isabella Boris, Paul Fogerty, Phillip Fogerty, Sam Murray and the team at Byford Secondary College, under the schools Follow the Dream program.
Byford Secondary College’s Emma Hussey explained the design of the new jersey, which represents the people in and around the club and the community.
“The WAUGAL (rainbow serpent) surrounds the jumper to protect the players and to lead them on a path to success. 1909 on the WAUGAL’s neck is the founding year,” Ms Hussey said.
“The circles on the front represent each of the districts that came together to form centrals – Jarrahdale, Oakford, Byford, Serpentine and Cardup.
“Each are connected by train tracks and each are unique to their own areas. For example, Byford is signified by many people that live there and Jarrahdale which features kangaroo prints to reference the great bush and many animals in the area.
“On the back continues the WAUGAL’s journey through the amazing jarrah trees and bushland in the area.
“The Yarning circles on the sides of the jumper are about the connection the people have to the club.
“The jumper is named WINMAR to honour the grandfather (Eugene Winmar) of one of the artists who created the jumper.
“Eugene is a player from long ago and a well-respected Aboriginal Elder and community member. He is also a life member of the club. His totem the turtle brings positive energy to the players.”
The Follow the Dream program is run by 2021 Education Assistant of the Year Michelle Barrett, and is made up of 23 students from all year groups who sign up for dance, language and culture programs run by local experts and mentors.
“Out of the Follow the Dream program we have started an Indigenous reference group for the college, which is made up largely from families from that program, who can guide the college with the knowledge we need, how to help the kids in their classrooms and any cultural remits,” Ms Hussey said.
