Fremantle will host some special guests at Optus Stadium on Saturday night when the team takes to the field for their Sir Doug Nicholls Round clash against Sydney.
Aboriginal elders from the Kimberley region in WA will travel more than 2,000kms to watch Freo play in the round that celebrates Australia’s Indigenous culture.
As per previous years, the players will be wearing the club’s indigenous jumper on Saturday night, a jumper that has a very special connection to these elders, with the Kimberley Stolen Generation flower proudly part of the design.
The Kimberley Stolen Generation flower is a purple native hibiscus, a flower which Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation CEO Tania Bin Bakar says represents the elders.
“The native hibiscus was chosen given its ability to thrive anywhere, even in harsh climates and also for its resilience,” Bin Bakar said.
“I think with the stolen generation people it epitomises their life journey, being removed from family and growing up without the bonding of a family and community.
“The stolen generation flower started in the Kimberley but now it’s recognised all across Australia.”
The Kimberley Stolen Generation flower (formerly the Sorry Day Flower) has been part of each of the club’s Indigenous jumper designs since 2014, an initiative the Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation members are extremely proud of.
“It means so much, the support we have gotten from the Fremantle Dockers, you just can’t put into words,” Bin Bakar said.
“You just can’t explain how much that means to our elders. They have been to a few Fremantle games, both in Victoria and in Perth and they are all huge Dockers supporters.”
“They love this years design, Antoni Grover did a great job, they also love that Sonny was in the photo.”
Kimberley Stolen Generation Chairperson Mark Bin Bakar thanked the club for their support of not only the display of the flower on the club’s jumper, but also the partnership the Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation has with the club as an associate Friend of the Foundation.
“The synergy between the Freo Dockers and the Kimberley Stolen Generation is one of sustainability, resilience, commitment, and dedication,” Bin Bakar said.
“The Stolen Generation flower is a symbol of survival, resilience, and the colour of compassion.
“Hence why the metaphoric unity between Freo and Kimberley Stolen Generation Aboriginal Corporation is one of a shared common dream working towards achieving at all heights.
“It is all about family.”
Fremantle’s coaching and off-field staff will wear the Stolen Generation Flower pin on their lapel at Saturday's game in unity with the playing group.
You can purchase the Kimberley Stolen Generation Flower here: https://www.kimberleystolengeneration.com.au/shop/sorry-day-flowers/
