The Illawarra rugby referees association will honour NAIDOC week by commissioning a new jersey alongside holding a number of performances and tributes to the local landowners.
Illawarra Rugby Union is made up of teams as far south as Nowra, as far north as Campbelltown, as far west as Bowral and a number of clubs on the coast in between.
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The association wishes those who are Indigenous to the land of Australia, are able to enjoy the freedoms inspired by their forefathers and their elders.
They can admire those who honour their history and their memory through playing, officiating and administering the game of Rugby Union.
In order to do this, the Illawarra Rugby Union Referees Association have commissioned a specially made jersey which has been designed by local Aboriginal artist, Kevin Butler and was released in NAIDOC Week 2021.
There are many players, match officials and volunteers within the Rugby Union community who are from Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander heritage.
The President of the Referees Association, Adam Lysle was incredibly proud of everyone who took part in the project stating it was a big milestone for the association.”
“Whilst there have been some delays with the ability for the Jersey to be worn due to the COVID 19 restrictions, we will make sure it is worn on the next full round of Illawarra Rugby” Lysle said.
A special ceremony and presentation will be made at the upcoming match between Shoalhaven and Bowral on 24 July with every referee at every game of the round on the day wearing the custom jersey.
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