S.E. Melbourne Phoenix 24/25 Youth Indigenous Shorts

Artist: Dixon Patten

He is a proud Gunnai, Yorta Yorta, Gunditjmara, Dhudhuroa man with bloodlines from Wemba Wemba, Barapa Barapa, Djab Wurrung, Wiradjuri, Yuin, Wodi Wodi, Wolgal, Monaro.

As an artist, designer, mentor, influencer and a strong community advocate, Dixons artistic practice is informed through a strong cultural value that his family and community have imprinted into his mind, heart, and spirit.

His approach to his engagements is much bigger than an artistic visual; it is about the gifts and the influential shifts that creativity brings. Dixon’s narratives often delve deep into familial history, often in celebration and exploration of culture and connection and his willingness to share and learn are informed by the art of Deep Listening, or in his native Yorta Yorta language ‘Gulpa Ngawul’.

This practice has guided many of Dixon’s expressions by uncovering the layers, exploring trauma, exploring grief, reclaiming culture, bridging gaps, being accountable, learning to understand and challenge systems, influencing spaces and learning to celebrate self.

He takes his role as a storyteller seriously and feels humbled to continue this strong aspect of Aboriginal culture.

Jersey Design:

Orange Bellied-Parrot

Dixon chose to honour this bird in his design as there is symbology that aligns with the Phoenix. Unfortunately, since settlement; Australia has one the highest extinction and endangered species rates in the world. There are fewer than 100 remaining Orange-Bellied Parrots in the wild.

The Orange-Bellied Parrot is only 1 of 3 parrots that migrate, it is a symbol that South East Melbourne is home to people from all walks of life, that migrated here as a means for survival, opportunity and abundance.

Dixon’s hope is to encourage people to see beyond modern LED’s, concrete footpaths, roads and buildings and truly see the landscape and understand how we collectively contribute to Country’s wellbeing. The Orange-Bellied Parrot and many other species deserve survival, opportunity and abundance.

Dixon’s hope is that like the Phoenix, the Orange-Bellied Parrot rises up strong, yet unlike the Phoenix, hopes it does not become a symbol of death for us to acknowledge its significance.

The patterns in the bird honour our carving culture(s) in modern Victoria, we traditionally used diamond shaped patterns and geometric shapes. These patterns can be found on our Possum Skin Cloaks, artefacts, scar trees, rock art and painted on our bodies during ceremony.

Rep S.E. Melbourne Phoenix story with pride in these shorts. It features indigenous artwork representing the team and their story incorporated with the team wordmark on our premium, sports mesh fabric.

- 190GSM fabric
- Club woven badge at waistband
- Quick drying & moisture wicking
- Increases airflow & prevents odours
- Side panel with split at front
- Fits true to size, size up for a looser fit."