NRL Dolphins
The Dolphins may be the newest team in the NRL competition, but they understand the importance of history.
The brief
Originally founded as part of the Queensland competition in 1947, the Dolphins are proud to acknowledge the heritage of the club and the Traditional Owners of the lands on which they play. The Dolphins came to Carbon Creative with a desire to create a pre-match Acknowledgement of Country that was different, authentic and meaningful, and left with something that not only celebrates local First Nations people and culture but shares with the world the story of their namesake — the mighty buangan (dolphins).
The good
Designed as a true pre-match heart-starter, we created a dynamic, proud video that is a true celebration of the Gubbi Gubbi, Ningyningy, Quandamooka, Yuggera and Turrbal peoples, on whose lands the Dolphins home grounds are situated, and a powerful symbol of the enduring connection between the buangan (dolphins) and First Nations peoples. Featuring artwork created by Sunshine Coast artist Lyndon Davis, a Traditional Custodian of the Gubbi Gubbi people, as well as the booming vocals of Shannon Ruska, a descendant of the Yuggera, Turrbal, Nunukul, Gorenpul/Cooperoo, and Yugembir peoples, it’s been designed to stir the emotions of every Dolphins supporter.
The impact
Accompanied by complementary on-ground signage, the video has proven a hit with supporters, players, and the wider NRL community. A gamechanger in its space, it’s a reflection of the edge the Dolphins want to bring to everything they do. The true test? If the chant of ‘buangan’ takes on a life of its own!
