Boland unveils new Indigenous design on Kookaburra bat for Aussie sumer

Jarred Cross Published December 12, 2024 at 3.45am (AWST)

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The Kookaburra Indigenous Kahuna with artwork developed by Scott Boland and Ky-ya Nicholson Ward. (Image: Kookaburra Cricket AusNZ Instagram)

If Scott Boland holds his spot for remaining Tests with India this summer, he'll do it holding an expression of culture and unity, the artist behind artwork on his bat says.

Wurundjeri, Dja Dja Wurrung and Ngurai Illum Wurrung artist Ky-ya Nicholson Ward (Djirringu Art) has collaborated with the Gulidjan seamer on new stickers across his Kookaburra Kahuna willow.

It's not Ms Nicholson Ward's first foray into sport, or even cricket, having designed jerseys and jumpers for dozens of clubs, from local competition to the AFL and AFLW, NRL, WNBL and Super Netball, she told National Indigenous Times, as well as BBL & BBLW Melbourne Stars and Melbourne Renegades' inaugural Indigenous round shirts.

*Ky-ya Nicholson Ward with North Melbourne and Narrm Sir Doug Nicholls Round jumpers. (Image: Instagram)*

After impressive on return to the men's Test XI in Adelaide, Boland's shot at another opportunity remains undecided dependent on the fitness of Josh Hazlewood.

Should the 35-year-old retain his spot for Brisbane and again for Boxing Day, he and Nicholson Ward's visual piece could be on display out in the middle in front of 100,000 in the stands and millions at home.

"Cricket is a sport with not many First Nations players so having the bat used in places such as the MCG and broadcast is a deadly way to encourage more mob to play or be involved in cricket, it gives a sense of cultural safety and belonging," she said.

"The MCG is a sacred ceremonial ground for Wurundjeri and the Kulin Nation, so having Wurundjeri art represented there is deadly."

The work includes major components expressing meeting places, diamond linework, cross hatching and lines.

Ms Nicholson Ward said the inspiration was "to have an artwork that represents connecting through sport, highlighting the importance of culture and unity through sport and bringing people together as one", and potentially inspire more First Nations Australians into engaging with cricket.

The 22-year-old recently produced artwork for Cricket Australia's 'Stretch' Reconciliation Action Plan.

"The connected circles and diamonds are meeting places representing the coming together as a community for the love and passion of cricket. It highlights the importance of culture and unity in sport. It tells the story of people coming from many different places but becoming one," she said of the bat artwork.

"The diamonds are a symbol of resilience and strength, highlighting the fight that First Nations people have, and still are going through. It's honouring those people who have paved the way for First Nation's people in the sporting environment today.

"This design has been used since time immemorial and is used on shields, tools and cloaks. It also highlights the beauty of south-eastern First Nations culture as we are a carving culture and don't do dot art.

"The cross hatching is another significant symbol; in this artwork it represents working together as a team and caring for those beside you.

"The swirly lines represent the smoke from our welcoming fires, the smoke is used to get rid of any negative energy or spirits whilst on someone's traditional country. Highlighting positive energy and safe spaces."

Ms Nicholson Ward said "Scott has been amazing to work with, he had a clear vision on what he wanted to represent and I was able to tell his story through my art."

Via Kookaburra Sports, Boland said he is "really happy how they came up. I love the colors and design, and be pretty proud to use it in the coming season".