New TRC First Nations Outdoor Shirt Starts A Conversation
Aligning with NAIDOC Week, Tablelands Regional Council has introduced a new First Nations work shirt for staff, as part of the TRC uniform range.
‘We are proud to introduce uniforms that respectfully reflect the stories and connections of Traditional Owners, reinforcing our commitment to reconciliation, respect and inclusion,’ said Acting TRC Mayor, Dave Bilney. ‘The design has been developed to honour the enduring connection of Traditional Owners to land, culture and community, and to ensure that this recognition is embedded in our everyday operations’.
The artwork for the shirts, titled ‘Bush Animals,’ has been created by talented FNQ artist, Dorothy Webster and features native animals found in Far North Queensland such as cassowaries and crocodiles.
‘Over many years our Australian Aboriginal people have had a relationship with these animals, they shared this land with them also hunting them for the valuable food sources they provided, thus they played an important role in the health and survival of our old tribal people,’ said artist Dorothy Webster.
‘These majestic animals were also symbolically adopted by the tribes and clans as tribal totems and emblems, using them as such in their cultural ceremonial gatherings. Today much is being done to ensure these bush animals do not become extinct.
In my painting I’ve depicted these magnificent creatures in the aboriginal artist style,’ Ms Webster said.
The shirts have been produced in collaboration between Tablelands Regional Council, artist Dorothy Webster and specialist Australian workwear company TRADEMUTT.
In addition to reflecting a connection to First Nations culture and community, the vibrant shirts are designed to spark conversations around mental health. The iconic ‘This Is A Conversation Starter’ bar on the back encourages meaningful check-ins and is an icebreaker for people to start the conversation, while a QR code hidden beneath the pocket flap connects wearers directly to TIACS – a free, professional mental health counselling service.
TIACS can also be accessed by calling or texting 0488 846 988.
For more information about TIACS and how TRADEMUTT supports this important initiative, visit https://trademutt.com/pages/about-tiacs.