Every Design, A Story: Hockeyroos and Kookaburras take Indigenous uniform to the world stage

Australia’s Hockeyroos and Kookaburras are carrying a powerful piece of home with them at the 2026 FIH Hockey World Cup, proudly wearing a specially designed Indigenous uniform that celebrates culture, connection and the journeys of Australia’s national teams.

Created by Indigenous artist Mya Damon, with contribution from Olympic gold medallist and Indigenous leader Nova Peris, the uniform tells a story that stretches far beyond the hockey pitch.

Under the theme ‘Every Design, A Story’, the artwork reflects the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras’ deep connection to community and Country, paying respect to the past and present while acknowledging First Nations athletes by sharing their stories and origins.

For Damon, seeing her artwork represented on the international stage through two of Australia’s most recognisable national teams has been a special experience.

“It means I've been able to make something that shows my art and my culture, and use it as a tool of education, as well as something that I'm able to show to the world stage,” Damon said.

“It has been a surreal few months. It's been really hard to keep under wraps, but also at the same time, I'm super proud, and it's been an absolute honour to be able to design something so special.”

At the centre of the design is the meeting place, representing the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras coming together as teams and reflecting the connection that exists throughout Australian hockey.

The colours incorporated throughout the artwork are symbolic of the ocean and represent the deep connection between land, sea and community for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples.

That connection to the ocean also extends to the journeys undertaken by the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras, reflecting the different corners of Australia their athletes come from before meeting to represent their country.

For Damon, Indigenous artwork can also serve as a way of documenting and communicating stories that have been passed through generations.

“The way that I like to view Indigenous art is like a map,” Damon said.

“Knowing that our storylines and our landscape is produced through art, showing how we have tracked our stories, ceremonies, environment, local fauna and flora, I think that's something super special.”

The footsteps featured across the skirts and shorts represent the journeys of the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras, and the steps they have taken in pursuit of representing Australia.

They also represent the journey still ahead, strengthening resilience and encouraging the teams to reach the highest level while recognising the people, places and experiences that have helped them along the way.

Adding another deeply personal element to the uniform, each Hockeyroo and Kookaburra has the name of the First Nations Country they represent or feel connected to incorporated into their individual playing kit.

The personalised acknowledgement recognises the Traditional Owners of the lands on which each athlete feels most connected, ensuring every uniform carries its own story alongside the broader story represented through Damon’s artwork.

For example, Wiradjuri is proudly displayed on the uniform, demonstrating how the design connects each athlete to Country while taking those names and stories onto the world stage.

The kangaroo symbol, designed by Nova Peris, honours the Hockeyroos and their strength and connection to community. The kangaroo also carries significance through its inability to move backwards, symbolising the pride and legacy of the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras as they continue to represent Australia on the international stage.

For Damon, having a dedicated Indigenous uniform is an opportunity to recognise both the First Nations athletes who have represented Australia and the connection between teammates from across the country.

“I think we're able to honour our Indigenous players and also show our connection to our non-Indigenous players,” Damon said.

“I think it's super important that we have this uniform to honour all of our players coming from different directions across Australia.”

Now, with the Hockeyroos and Kookaburras competing against the world’s best, the design takes its next step — carrying the stories, culture and connections of Australian hockey onto the global stage.

Every design, a story.

Get yours via the Hockey Australia/Kookaburra store.