Jarnda's winning design captures her love of the game

A lifelong love of the round ball game was the stimulus for the winning entry in this year’s NAIDOC Ball Design competition.

Jarnda Councillor-Barns took the unifying nature of football and created a fantastic piece of work, which will be printed on 500 footballs. These will be unveiled during 2026 NAIDOC Week next July, then distributed throughout the state.

“Growing up in Broome, soccer was always part of our community. I would jump into social games whenever I could, and I loved how the sport brought everyone together,” Jarnda said.

“I’m also from Geraldton, and when the [regional women’s Indigenous] Jambinu team was created, I was so excited – I even had family who played for them and helped run the team. So while I wasn’t formally in a club, soccer has always been woven through my community and family connections.”

Janda, who now lives in Ellenbrook, wins a $1,000 New Balance voucher and 20 footballs carrying her design.

Describing her entry, she said: “Each element tells the story of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples and their journey with the sport – from the grassroots programs that nurtured their love for the game, to the community connections that continue to grow through every generation.

“Soccer is a sport that brings people from all walks of life together, creating a larger family built on respect, teamwork and shared passion. The circular patterns throughout the design symbolise gatherings and the coming together of cultures, while the connecting pathways reflect the journeys, knowledge, and skills each player carries.

“The colours and patterns honour the stories of our First Nations players - their strength, vision, and the legacy they contribute both on and off the field. Together, they embody what it means to play as one, standing proud in culture while celebrating the multicultural spirit of the game.”

The NAIDOC Ball Design competition is part of the partnership between Football West and the Insurance Commission of Western Australia. It is open to members of the Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities and celebrates indigenous art while calling on all motorists to wear a seatbelt when travelling on WA roads.