Well-known Balnggarrawarra and Guugu Yimithirr artist Bradley Michael proudly shows off his design on the framed Northern Pride jersey auctioned during Saturday’s half-time break. Photo: Supplied.
The half-time highlight of Saturday’s Hostplus Cup clash between the Northern Pride and Wynnum Manly Seagulls was a fundraising auction for those in the community still recovering from the devastation of last year’s catastrophic weather event.
After hearing about the number of people in the region still doing it tough, the Pride offered to auction off a stunning framed jersey matching the one worn by players during the game.
The jersey was designed by Balnggarrawarra and Guugu Yimithirr artist Bradley Michael, who grew up around Cooktown and Hope Vale, and tells the story about the communities impacted by Tropical Cyclone Jasper, and how it is taking “a village of people to rise up and make a community great again”.
“The circles in the middle represent the communities affected by floods inside the weave,” Mr Michael explained.
“The outside circles represent the people from outside of the flood-affected communities helping with supplies, housing, food and comfort.
“Footprints represent the travelling that was involved to help others in the flood, travelling away from family, community and rebuilding the community whether it be by foot, car, plane or boat.
“I connected all the communities together as strangers became friends.”
The framed jersey sold for $1,200 before players took to the field for the second 40 minutes of the round 19 clash, with all proceeds going to the Cooktown District Community Centre.
Mr Michael said it was particularly moving to see so many people he knew reacting to his one-off design.
“It’s special to be back here in Cooktown and seeing the Pride wearing my jersey in front of so many people who know me,” he said.
The Northern Pride’s Raine Porter and Cooktown favourite Wayne Hunt auction off the framed Bradley Michael jersey at half time. Photo: Lyndon Keane.
