The Western Clydesdales will wear a special Indigenous jersey for the first time when they run out in Rounds 16 and 17 in support of the Queensland Rugby League’s Statewide Competitions’ Indigenous Rounds.

The Club unveiled the design on Wednesday evening, the first in the club's history, with the support of Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd and Deadly Choices. The image on the jersey has been supplied by Goolburri in support of the Western Clydesdales and was created by their founding Chair Dale Manns.

The Design

Old Man Emu

Talks about in the time of the dreaming Emus - Goolburri (meaning emu) were creator spirits in the Sky. Many tribes knew this dreaming story and when the Emu constellation appears in the sky it would show different seasons. A time were Goolburri would lay its eggs. It is a reminder today that only the right seasons should we take from the land keeping our food sustainable for future generations.

The match-worn jerseys are being actioned with the funds made going to the Western Clydesdales Community Foundation to support the three core projects of the foundation: South-West Qld Pathways Junior Development (Creating Clydesdales), Community Initiatives - player participation, community/social inclusion/Indigenous support programs (Our Community) and Female Rugby League development - player/coach development and pathways (Our People).

Link to the indigenous jersey auction – click here

Link to the Western Clydesdales Community Foundation – click here

About the Artist

From the Queensland Aboriginal and Islander Health Council Facebook page – 2^nd June 2023

***Cultural warning: Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander readers are warned that the following post contains the name and image of a deceased person. ***

In 2023, we are celebrating the hard work, dedication, successes and struggles of our Hall of Fame inductees.

Dale Manns' journey in the Sector began in 1994 as the founding Chairperson of Goolburri Aboriginal Health Advancement Co Ltd, initially known as Goolburri Mobile Dental. His unwavering commitment brought about significant improvements in service delivery for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the Goolburri service area.

In 2007, Goolburri achieved recognition for providing cultural advice to the Department of Child Safety, a significant milestone. The following year, the Apprenticeship and Traineeship Program was launched, equipping many young individuals for the workforce.

2010 saw several pivotal developments, including the purchase of new premises, the acquisition of Regional Services for Child Protection, and the expansion of Home and Community Care Services for the Toowoomba Region. In recent years, Goolburri has continued to grow, now employing over 80 staff members across the Darling Downs and South West areas.

Through his leadership, Dale played a crucial role in expanding services for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, contributing to Goolburri's reputation as an outstanding service provider.

Regrettably, Mr Manns departed this world on 25 September 2014, his enduring influence and visionary leadership forever imprinted on the heart of the community.