THE Nambucca Roosters Rugby League Football Club will celebrate Indigenous Round this weekend, with a talented young Gumbaynggirr artist’s work proudly featured on the club’s 2026 Indigenous jersey.
The NRL Indigenous Round was officially launched in May 2007 to celebrate the cultural contributions of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples to rugby league.
Across the competition, the round is recognised through cultural ceremonies and specially designed Indigenous jerseys worn by competing teams.
Each year, the Nambucca Roosters invite young local Gumbaynggirr artists to submit artwork for the opportunity to have their design featured on the club’s Indigenous jersey.
This year’s successful artist is 16-year-old Tehnaya West, who was born and raised in Bowraville.
Speaking with News Of The Area, Tehnaya said art has been part of her life since she was a young child.
“I was inspired by watching my nan, Margie Buchanan, painting when I was a little girl,” she said.
Tehnaya said she had been creating Indigenous artwork since the age of six and was thrilled to have her design selected by the Roosters.
“I am very proud and excited that my artwork was chosen by the Nambucca Roosters,” she said.
She added that one of the driving forces behind her artwork is ensuring Indigenous culture continues to be shared with future generations.
Tehnaya hopes her artwork not only represents her culture but also inspires younger Aboriginal children to embrace their own cultural identity through art.
Nambucca Roosters Club President Peter Bellden said the club looks forward to once again celebrating Indigenous Round with players, supporters and the wider community.
“The day will also feature Indigenous cultural elements such as smoking ceremonies and indigenous dancing,” Mr Bellden told NOTA.
The day’s rugby league action will begin with the under-18s kicking off at 11am.
The Women’s Tackle, Reserve Grade and First Grade matches will follow, creating a full day of football celebrating both sport and culture.
For the Nambucca Roosters, Indigenous Round has become much more than a game day, providing an opportunity each year to recognise the rich culture and contribution of the local Gumbaynggirr community while showcasing the artistic talents of the region’s young people.
By Mick BIRTLES
You can help your local paper.
Make a small once-off, or (if you can) a regular donation.
We are an independent family owned business and our newspapers are free to collect and our news stories are free online.
Help support us into the future.
