Wests Tigers 2026 Indigenous Jersey Youth

Designed by Melissa Barton, the Wests Tigers 2026 Indigenous Jersey tells a story of connection, community and collective impact.

This artwork is centred around the theme of Unity and reflects the powerful connection between the Wests Tigers and Wests Tigers Empower. It celebrates how people, places and programs come together to create meaningful change across our communities.

A key feature of the design is the use of three meeting places, representing the foundations of the Empower network. These meeting places are inspired by the three tiger heads within the Empower logo and acknowledge the three groups that work together to make a difference: our Alumni, who continue to advocate for community programs; our Philanthropic Donors, whose support helps fund important initiatives; and the Community, including the children, families and schools who benefit from those programs.

The number three also reflects the three flagship Empower programs. Healthy Relationships promotes respect, positive relationships and domestic violence prevention. Classroom to Careers supports young people as they transition from education into employment. Stripes for Success focuses on leadership, empowerment and building confidence in the next generation. Together, these programs create pathways for growth, opportunity and connection.

The design further acknowledges the three regions proudly served by Wests Tigers Empower: South West Sydney, Southern Highlands and the Inner West. While each area has its own unique identity, all are connected through a shared commitment to strengthening communities and creating positive outcomes.

Within each meeting place are symbols representing family, service and connection. These elements reflect the values that sit at the heart of the Empower mission and recognise the importance of people supporting one another through every stage of life.

At the top of the artwork sits the sun, representing hope, growth and the club's vision to RISE in 2026. It symbolises a bright future and the opportunities that can be created when communities come together with a shared purpose.

At the base of the design, three mountain ranges represent the landscapes of the club's three catchment areas. These layers acknowledge the rich histories of each region and the deep connection that Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples have maintained with Country for generations.

The artist has used vibrant colours alongside earthy browns, dusty pinks and warm oranges to create depth and energy throughout the artwork. These colours reflect the positivity, resilience and strength found across the Wests Tigers community.

This design is more than a jersey. It is a celebration of Indigenous culture, community spirit and the power of people coming together. It represents the many individuals, programs and places that make up the Wests Tigers family, united under one shared purpose: creating meaningful impact for future generations.

Melissa Barton is a contemporary Aboriginal artist living on Dharug Country in the Macarthur region of Sydney. Melissa is a proud Boorooberongal clan woman of the Dharug Nation, with cultural connections that extend back thousands of years and remain deeply woven into her identity, storytelling and artistic practice.

Her paternal grandparents are both descendants of Maria Locke, recognised as the first Aboriginal woman to marry an English convict. Maria Locke was the daughter of Yarramundi, the respected chief of the Richmond tribes whose Country lies along the Hawkesbury River in north-west Sydney. This proud lineage and connection to Country continue to inspire Melissa's work and her commitment to sharing cultural stories through art.

Known for her distinctive use of earthy browns, dusty pinks and warm oranges, Melissa creates artworks that celebrate culture, community and connection. Her work often explores the relationships between people, place and identity, using contemporary Aboriginal artistic expression to honour both ancestral knowledge and modern lived experiences.

Having her artwork featured on the 2026 Wests Tigers Indigenous Jersey provides an opportunity to share a story that honours Indigenous culture while highlighting the positive change being created across Wests Tigers communities. Through Unity, Melissa's design reminds us that although every individual, community and journey is unique, we are strongest when we come together as one.