From footy fields to children’s books

They later reached out to Aunty Neva to discuss featuring it in their story, and the design has since become one of the key elements in the book.

Aunty Neva said she was surprised when the authors first approached her.

“I was like, ‘what? You want my stuff?’” she said.

“I’m just really humbled by it.”

Originally created two years ago, the design features symbols reflecting the Leitchville-Gunbower area and club identity.

It includes two turtles representing the merging of the two clubs, along with wallaby and pelican footprints connected to Country.

Aunty Neva’s work has also been featured on jumpers for clubs such as Moama, Cobram, Lockington, Kyabram and Rochester Secondary College, all of which have been hand-designed to reflect the area and its history.

Seeing others wear her designs continues to be a proud moment for her.

Aunty Neva said her art was a way to connect with the community and share her culture.

“This is what it’s all about, just being accepted in your local community and sharing your culture,” she said.

“I’m trying to teach people something through art.”

My Dreamtime Match also features Aunty Neva’s grandkids Joel and Jahleel playing alongside the authors’ own children.

Mr Hampton said the book was created “to share culture with kids in a fun and relatable way through footy”.

The book is available through major bookstores, including Collins Bookstore in Echuca and online.