Perth-based ice hockey team, Perth Thunder, have presented Shooting Stars with a generous donation of funds raised in their 2023 Indigenous Round jersey auction.
These Indigenous Round jerseys were designed by Gamilaraay artist and Perth Thunder photographer, Cassandra Edwards. Her design features the Derbarl Yerrigan (Swan River) with thunder clouds and rain. The Noongar translation of the team’s name, Boorloo Marlga, is in the centre in front of ten meeting places connected by journey lines, which symbolise all the teams in the Australian Ice Hockey League, and Perth Thunder’s journey throughout the year.
The club has shared that the Indigenous Round is seen as an opportunity to celebrate and share cultural knowledge and experience, and to support a local First Nations organisation.
Edwards is also connected to Shooting Stars through other photography and videography projects, so her design brings additional significance to this donation for the organisation.
Perth Thunder’s team captain, Jamie Woodman, pictured with Olivia Slater from the Shooting Stars Research Team, has shared his thoughts on the importance of the round and the club’s jersey auction fundraiser:
“We love playing hockey, and being able to play for something bigger than ourselves is really meaningful.”
There were 23 Indigenous Round jerseys auctioned, and with proceeds combined with additional donations from fans, Shooting Stars is incredibly grateful for the generosity of everybody involved.
