From Country to Cricket: A Cultural Gift for the Afghan Refugee Women’s XI Tour

The visit of the Afghan Refugee Women’s XI to Darwin was a celebration of resilience, opportunity and the power of sport to connect communities.

To mark the occasion, Aboriginal artist Jessica Lloyd was commissioned to create a series of original artworks that were presented as official gifts during the tour. The paintings drew inspiration from themes of journey, connection and strength, reflecting both the players’ remarkable stories and the spirit of welcome extended by the Northern Territory.

The presentation of the artworks formed a meaningful part of the tour, which brought together cricket, culture and community engagement. Through her work, Jessica Lloyd created lasting mementos that recognised the significance of the visit and honoured the determination and achievements of the Afghan Refugee Women’s XI.

The artworks serve as a reminder of the enduring connections that can be built through sport, culture and shared experiences.

The Emu in the Sky

For the feature artwork on the full-size presentation bat, Jessica Lloyd chose to share the story of the Emu in the Sky, an important figure in Aboriginal astronomy. Unlike constellations formed by stars, the Emu is seen in the dark spaces of the Milky Way and has guided Aboriginal people for thousands of years, marking seasons, movement and cultural knowledge.

The Giant Emu in the Sky holds special significance for Jessica and her family. The painting combines the traditional Dreaming story with memories shared by her two grandmothers of life on Country as children. Through this unique interpretation, Jessica brings together family history, cultural knowledge and storytelling, creating a deeply personal artwork that honours both her ancestors and the continuation of culture through future generations.