2021 Eagles Indigenous Jumper

In recent weeks, the WWTFC and Club sponsor, the Telstra Store West Lakes, embarked on a journey of understanding and education.

Last year, Telstra Corporation was fined by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) for $50 million for unconscionable conduct after a number of Telstra’s licensee stores sold mobile phone plans to approximately 100 Indigenous customers that didn’t suit their needs. This happened between 2016 and 2018. Although this did not include the Telstra Store West Lakes, which have been a long-term and valued supporter of the WWTFC.

Leading up to the SANFL Indigenous Round we will have the unveiling of the WWTFC Indigenous Guernsey, designed by Connor and Andrew McLeod, as well as the Indigenous Polo designed by First Nations Board Member Devinia Binell. The Club and the Telstra Store West Lakes management committed to sincere dialogue with the First Nation Artists to ensure respect and understanding as part of their due diligence.

All parties were in agreement and united in having the Telstra Store logo represented on the Guernsey and Polo shirt for the SANFL Indigenous Round.

After lengthy discussions with Andrew, Devinia and Telstra Store West Lakes management, it was evident that since 2018 Telstra has undertaken significant remediation to those customers affected. Cultural awareness training has been improved and is now mandatory for anyone who engages with First Nations Peoples to increase awareness of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, culture, and knowledge around the communities in which they live. As a result, the artists, the Telstra Store West Lakes, and the WWTFC are pleased to advise that the Telstra Store logo will remain on the WWTFC Indigenous Round Guernsey.

David Couzner, WWTFC Football Director, says it is a great display of what can be achieved when all parties are willing to communicate and work together to understand what occurred and what has been implemented to correct a situation. Open communication has been the key to this successful outcome.