Janine and Rick Ohlsen who addressed the crowd before the First Grade kick off.
The Cobar Roosters proudly celebrated Multicultural Round on Saturday as part of their Round 11 Castlereagh Rugby League home games against Warren.
Roosters club secretary Tia Turner said Multicultural Round is as a way to recognise and honour the diverse cultural backgrounds that make up the club, town and broader community.
“It’s an opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of all cultures, both Indigenous and non-Indigenous, that strengthen our game and our identity as a family club,” Tia told The Cobar Weekly.
She said Multicultural Round hasn’t replaced Indigenous Round.
“We have chosen to approach this collaboratively, ensuring that both Indigenous and multicultural identities are celebrated inclusively,” Tia said.
“We believe in acknowledging all cultures with respect and this round is about unity and visibility for everyone.
“At this stage, no other clubs in our competition formally celebrate a Multicultural Round.
“Cobar has taken the initiative to lead this space,” she said.
The club chose to celebrate their Multicultural Day in Round 11 as it was a home game for the club’s three sides, although the Warren Reggies were a late forfeit.
This year’s Multicultural Round club jersey was designed by one of their Ladies League Tag players, Taylah Good, who explained the design prior to the First Grade game kicking off.
“This jersey represents the rich cultural diversity of the Cobar Roosters, telling a story of unity, heritage, and inclusivity.
“Every design element symbolises the different nationalities and backgrounds of our players, reflecting the club’s commitment to embracing all cultures,” Taylah said.
“At the centre of the jersey, an Aboriginal community symbol—designed in the Cobar Roosters’ colours—represents the land and people that unite us.
“Pathways extend from this symbol, connecting various cultural patterns and elements, illustrating that, despite our diverse backgrounds, we stand together as one team and one community.”
Other design elements on the jersey include: a Māori background pattern; patterns within the neckline and side panels representing Tongan heritage; the Aboriginal design on the back illustrates the players’ journeys through different clubs leading to Cobar; turtle artwork is a traditional Samoan symbol of family and protection; Silver Ferns represent Kiwi heritage; and four-leaf clovers on the jersey are a nod to Irish culture and a symbol of good luck
Taylah’s design also had a German flag recognising German heritage within the team; a Raggiana Bird-of-Paradise represents diversity and is inspired by Papua New Guinea’s national emblem; 15 stars which symbolize the 15 islands that make up Cook Island; a Philippine sun is a tribute to independence and Filipino heritage; a Torres Strait Islander symbol to represent their people and culture; and the Australian Coat of Arms recognises the Australian team members of the Cobar Roosters.
(Unfortunately due to a production error, the Australian Coat of Arms and German flag was not on the jerseys, despite their meaningful representation within the club.)
“This jersey is more than just a uniform to each and every player —it’s a symbol of our unity, respect for heritage, and the welcoming spirit of the Cobar Roosters,” Taylah said.
Tia said the Cobar Roosters were proud to be a club that nurtures inclusion and community.
“Whether on or off the field, our aim is to create a space where everyone feels respected, welcomed and represented.
“Celebrating the many cultures within our team and town is just one way we live that out,” Tia said.
