Melbourne Vixens unveil 2026 First Nations Dress design

The dress will be worn twice as part of Suncorp Super Netball’s league-wide First Nations Round, set for Rounds 11 and 12 to align with recognition of National Reconciliation Week.

Tarni Jarvis is from the Grampians region in south-west Victoria and lives and raises her family on Wadawurrung Country in Ballarat.

Jarvis created the piece around this year’s theme of leadership transfer, while also reflecting the club’s journey following its 2025 Championship success and its enduring connection to Country.

The design features the Birrarung River running along the side of the dress, alongside a journey symbol that represents the path travelled by the players and club in recent years, while also symbolising the direction the team is heading next.

The artwork aimed to capture the evolving nature of the team and organisation, and the importance of passing knowledge from one generation to the next.

“I wanted to capture the theme of change within the team, communicating the ever-evolving and growing nature of both the team and the broader organisation,” Jarvis said.

“In essence, the piece reflects the transfer of knowledge from one group to the next, and the continued journey and growth of the team through change and development.”

The artwork reflects on the achievements and learning experienced throughout the club’s journey, while acknowledging the path still ahead.

“In acknowledging the journey ahead, the piece also tells the story of where the team has been, and the achievements, growth and learning that have come along the way,” Jarvis said.

“By combining the themes of Country, change and achievement, this piece to me captures the role, identity and future of the team and the broader Vixens organisation.”

The Vixens will first wear Jarvis’ design this weekend against the NSW Swifts, in their Round 11 clash at John Cain Arena on Wurundjeri Country, and again in Round 12 when the Vixens travel to Adelaide to Melbourne to play at Adelaide Entertainment Centre on Kaurna Land.

Merchandise items featuring Jarvis’ artwork will be available for fans to purchase online and at Round 11.