This weekend marks a significant occasion in the Gippsland League calendar, as clubs and communities come together to celebrate the 2025 Indigenous Round in Round 13 of the season.
The Indigenous Round is an opportunity to recognise, respect, and celebrate the culture, contributions, and connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities have with football, netball, and the broader Gippsland region. Across the League, clubs are proudly participating in pre-match acknowledgements, cultural storytelling, and the wearing of special Indigenous-themed apparel.
This year, Moe and Sale Football Netball Clubs will take centre stage, unveiling specially designed Indigenous jumpers and netball bibs that reflect the unique identity, landscape, and cultural heritage of their local areas. These uniforms were funded and supplied through the Gippsland League’s Loy Yang B Community Grants Program, a key initiative that supports club-led projects and meaningful community engagement activities.
Sale FNC – “Wayput” Design by Bohdi Walker & Derek Eggmolesse-Smith
Sale's Indigenous jumper and bibs were designed by proud Indigenous artists and club players Bohdi Walker and Derek Eggmolesse-Smith, who infused the garments with strong local meaning. The design tells the story of Wayput — the traditional Aboriginal name for the Sale area — and reflects themes of family, identity, and connection to Country.
“It's more than just a design,” said Walker. “It's a symbol of where we come from, who we play for, and the stories we carry on the field.”
The jumper incorporates traditional line work and iconography to symbolise the shared paths and relationships within the community, both past and present.
Moe FNC – “Swamp Land & Waterways” Design by Lionel Rose
Moe’s jumper was designed by Lionel Rose, a proud Kurnai/Gunditjmara artist, whose concept draws on the traditional meaning of “Moe,” which originates from the Kurnai word for “swamp land.”
The artwork features Gippsland wetland animals such as the platypus, long-neck turtle, black swan, and duck, all designed using traditional Indigenous line work. The central "V" design represents the rivers and wetlands of the Latrobe Valley and symbolises the natural flow of community, connection and movement.
“The tracks across the background represent the pathways through the wetlands and waterways of our region,” said Rose. “It’s about place, story, and the living culture that still runs through our land.”
Proudly Supported by Loy Yang B
Both Sale and Moe’s Indigenous uniforms were made possible thanks to the support of the Gippsland League’s Community Grants Program, proudly funded by Loy Yang B.
Gippsland League General Manager Daniel Heathcote praised the program’s ability to empower clubs to create lasting cultural and community impact.
“We are proud to be able to introduce a League wide initiative to support our clubs existing work in honouring and celebrating Indigenous contribution to football and netball,” said Heathcote. “Thanks to the support of Loy Yang B, we’re able to help clubs bring local events to life and celebrate the First Nations people who continue to shape our communities and competitions.”
The Gippsland League invites all members of the football and netball community to embrace the spirit of Indigenous Round — to learn, reflect, and celebrate the rich cultural tapestry that strengthens the fabric of our League.
