Passion project
Nicky Winmar Statue
Bringing an iconic moment into physical form to encourage the next generation to reflect and continue a conversation that is still relevant today.
Myself and fellow creative Alex Wadleton, two footy fans, wondered why Nicky Winmar’s iconic stance against racism in 1993 wasn’t a statue.
It’s a symbol of pride for yourself, no matter the colour of your skin. It’s seen as a pivotal moment in race relations in Australia, signifying the moment when it became obvious that racism has no place in sport, or indeed anywhere.
Nicky’s stance was already iconic. But we believed it needed to be in a physical form to encourage the next generation to reflect and discuss on what Nicky did on that day in 1993. So, we started a campaign to make that a reality.
The statue was unveiled at Perth’s Optus Stadium before the 50th Derby between Fremantle and West Coast by Nicky, the Premier of Western Australia Mark McGowan, Australian Football League CEO Gillon McLachlan, Western Australian Aboriginal Affairs Minister Ben Wyatt, and AFL general manager inclusion and social policy Tanya Hosch.
Sculptor Louis Laumen (left) made the statue based on Wayne Ludbey’s (right) infamous photograph.
The AFL made a documentary about Nicky’s original moment and the making of the statue.
