Artwork footy set to go a Long way
A TORQUAY-based business has used traditional Aboriginal art to give the AFL Sherrin a new look in honour of Essendon footy legend Michael Long and the club’s 150th anniversary.
Partnering with Essendon Football Club and Michael Long’s The Long Walk Foundation, local business Kangaroo Jack is raising money in a bid to introduce Indigenous culture and history throughout Australian schools via the Walk the Talk program.
The licensed footy features art by Western Arrernte Desert artist Merryn Apma Daley from Alice Springs and a portrait of Long from his VFL and AFL career highlights by nonIndigenous artist Kevin Gold.
In her artwork, Ms Daley said the white dots represented the inroads the AFL star made in his football career and through the Long Walk Foundation for Indigenous and Torres Strait Islander people.
Ms Daley said her involvement with Kangaroo Jack formed in 2020 when she met owner David Zaffina during the pandemic.
“David’s small business, Kangaroo Jack, was producing face masks featuring Indigenous artwork that supported the local community in Geelong,” she said.
“I was extremely moved by the generosity of Kangaroo Jack supporting Aboriginal initiatives, donating proceeds to educational programs and support networks for Indigenous youth in Victoria.”
She said the collaboration was “an example of what can be achieved by our understanding and acceptance of who we are and working together as one people”.