The Tasmanian Aboriginal artist behind of this year’s JackJumpers Indigenous Round jersey Reuben Oates had doubts about the jersey’s potential for sale after receiving backlash from some members of the community.
But two months after the club decided not to have the players wear the jersey and removed replicas of the jersey from merchandise outlets, Oates set up an online shop and sales of the limited-edition jersey skyrocketed.
“This is no joke … The time has come where I am able to officially announce that they’re back,” Oates wrote online.
“The 23/24 JackJumpers Indigenous Round Jersey is BACK!!! and now available on my website!”
“My website nearly exploded … I knew these would sell fast… but WOW, I didn’t predict this!”
Oates said the support from his “amazing community” has been ‘overwhelming’ and thanked those who stood by him throughout the journey.
“I have said it before and I’ll say it again! I wouldn’t be standing as proud and as tall without the support of every single one of you!”
Following the controversy, Oates said his intention was to celebrate the Indigenous history of Tasmania in a respectful and inclusive manner through his art.
“I was publicly accused of plagiarism and cultural misappropriation. The decision to withdraw the jerseys should never have been made,” Oates said in a statement.
“The JackJumpers were influenced by a vocal interpretation. Division emerges when the voices of a few are mistaken for the voices of many. There shouldn’t be such a divide within our Tasmanian Indigenous community.”
“All voices should be heard and celebrated together and not torn down. We missed out on celebrating Indigenous Tasmania through the Indigenous round, wholeheartedly.”
Limited stock of the jerseys are currently available in various sizes for adults and youth on his website.
Oates will also be setting up pop-up stores, including one at the Willie Smith market this Saturday.
