Gamilaroi man Daren Dunn has created a unique artwork ‘Walaaybaa’ – which specifically represents the NSWRL’s story and connection to Indigenous culture - to adorn the walls of the NSWRL’s Ignite HQ Centre of Excellence at Sydney Olympic Park.
The painting is called ‘Home Country’, which is ‘Walaaybaa’ in Gamilaroi language; ‘Nguramban’ in Wiradjuri; and in Dharug it is ‘Dy inga ni nura’ or ‘Here, I see my country’.
Dunn has also created a map of traditional Indigenous nations of NSW which features on the office wall at the NSWRL’s Ignite HQ Centre of Excellence.
They are some of the languages where the NSWRL does its work because in the state of the NSW there are more than 50 Koori languages, or ways to say ‘Home Country’.
Dunn, other elders and students from his ‘Get Black On Ya Feet’ cultural and education program, performed traditional dances to celebrate country and explain the essence of the painting depicting communities coming from north, south, east and west who meet at the NSWRL.
“The most rewarding part is the kids here today becoming more and more proud of their Koori identity – of their culture, music and dance that is in all of them,” Dunn said.
“So a painting of this size and significance represents non-Indigenous people in an Indigenous way coming to their meeting place.”
The artwork took Dunn three weeks to complete – working up to six hours a day.
“I came from the old-school ways with no Instagram or mobile phones so all my symbols in my paintings were taught to me by my aunts and uncles when I went out to country,” he said.
He has already designed NRL Indigenous Round jerseys for the South Sydney Rabbitohs, Penrith Panthers and Cronulla Sutherland Sharks, along with countless pairs of boots and headgear for players.
This painting is alive with culture, people and activities. Elders and members of community are meeting within the NSWRL striking up conversations and building connections. Footballs, clap sticks, boomerangs, and coolamons appear across the landscape.
“As Aboriginal people we carry our culture into the NSWRL including thousands of years of creativity, innovation, and history that can be linked to Rugby League, football and team sports,” Dunn said.
NSWRL Chief Executive David Trodden thanked Dunn and his children for allowing staff to share in their culture.
“This is important to us,” Trodden said. “The artwork is important to us. That is why you are here.”
Trodden and Dunn also paid tribute to the late Steve ‘Bear’ Hall, whose career spanned 26 years including coaching, development and mentoring roles with Western Suburbs, the Wests Tigers, as well as the NSWRL.
“Bear taught us all so much,” Trodden said. “He was a tireless worker with an enormous passion and drive to help develop both young Indigenous players and the game.”
