Noongar artists Peter Farmer and his son have been unveiled as creators of the artwork to be displayed on the Australian Olympic Team’s next uniform.
Noongar artists Peter Farmer and his son Peter Farmer Junior have been unveiled as creators of the artwork that will be displayed on the Australian Olympic Team’s next uniform.
The Farmers worked with Torres Strait Islander artist Alick Tipoti to create the design that was launched by the Australian Olympic Committee and the AOC Indigenous Advisory Committee this week.
With Australia’s team colours of yellow and green, the piece was created through the Indigenous visual languages of Noongar and Zenadth Kes (Torres Strait) and will feature on the uniforms in Los Angeles in 2028 and the French Alps in 2030.
The artwork was donned Doonch-doonch, Kaymelan, Together, meaning ‘coming together’ in Noongar and ‘together’ in Zenadth Kes.
It works to honour the 66 known Indigenous Olympians – expressed in a wave as a symbol of unity across land, sea and sky.
“I’m extremely excited to be part of this project,” Mr Farmer Jr said in statement on Thursday.
“As an artist for the athletes, I want them to feel proud and strong knowing this artwork was designed with thought and care when it comes to culture.”
The Farmers, who make up Peter Farmer Designs, have a long list of notable designs in their portfolio.
Mr Farmer Senior’s works were recently on display in an exhibition going back 30 years at WA Museum Boola Bardip.
His designs are featured on AFL jerseys, Jimmy Choo shoes and Coldplay T-shirts.
Other collaborations include with Arup on its Perth workplace interior and with Chevron to showcase his paintings.
His biggest commission yet was a large sculpture for Woodside’s Perth office.
The event presenting the new artwork also featured the launch of the AOC’s next Reconciliation Action Plan, which includes the introduction of the Australian Olympic Indigenous Athlete Scholarship.
The scholarship was the first program by the Australian Olympic Community Foundation – a newly established philanthropic arm of the AOC – and will provide First Nations athletes with financial support for living costs.
AOCF founding directors include Olympians Catherine Freeman and Patrick Johnson, who is also chair of the AOC Indigenous Advisory Committee.
“For too many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes, the pathway to high performance has been more difficult than it should be,” Mr Johnson said.
“The scholarship will help create clearer pathways for the next generation of First Nations athletes and leaders.”
