Our Colours, Our Story: The Heart of the NOCC Uniform

A Collaboration of Culture and Spirit

The heart of this design was born from a collaboration with Lesley Salem, a gifted Indigenous artist and nurse practitioner here in Newcastle. We asked her to weave a story of Newcastle into our fabric, and the result is breathtaking.

The Story in the Stitches

Every element of the new uniform carries a specific purpose:

• The Guardians: Under the right arm, Lesley’s artwork depicts the Elders of the Awabakal and Worimi nations standing upon the Newcastle cliffs. They serve as guardians, watching over us as we navigate the tides.
• The Elements: The blue dots across the front embody the vastness and power of the water, while the green dots on the back symbolize the sprawling land that grounds us.
• The Canvas: The original green of the team shirts was dialed up to be more striking and vibrant.

Grown and Made in Australia

In keeping with our commitment to the community, we partnered with Wearit, an Australian company based in Coffs Harbour. Tanya and Andrew worked tirelessly to ensure that Lesley’s vision was translated onto high-performance gear that matches the prowess of our athletes.

More Than a Uniform

When we hit the water in our uniform, we aren’t just representing a club; we are carrying the culture of the Awabakal and Worimi lands and their collective strength. We paddle with the respect of the past and the energy of the future.