A mural celebrating the CommBank Matildas has been unveiled on the iconic Bondi Beach Sea Wall in Sydney, Australia.
Painted with exquisite detail by internationally acclaimed artist, Danielle Weber, and designed by Football Australia Creative Manager Ryan Ostle, the captivating mural is a powerful illustration of a team that has captured Australia’s hearts leading into and during their campaign at the world’s biggest women’s sporting event.
An extension of Football Australia’s collaboration with Legacy ’23 partner, LEGO Australia, the mural looks to inspire future generations by celebrating the power of the CommBank Matildas and how they play.
The artwork features eight current CommBank Matildas’ including captain Sam Kerr (WA), vice-captain Steph Catley (VIC), highest-capped Australian footballer Clare Polkinghorne (QLD), longest-serving CommBank Matilda Lydia Williams (ACT), forward Caitlin Foord (NSW), midfielder Katrina Gorry (QLD), defender Charli Grant (SA) and Northern NSW stalwart Emily van Egmond (NSW).
Football Australia Head of Commercial and Events, Tom Rischbieth, thanked LEGO Australia and Waverley Council for its support in bringing this mural to life.
“The Tillies and Bondi Beach are Aussie icons, so it is fitting to bring them together at a time when the entire nation has fallen in love with the CommBank Matildas,” said Rischbieth.
“Bondi Beach attracts visitors from around Australia and the globe, and during this period where Australia is the epicentre of international women’s football, we encourage fans from everywhere to come and see the mural for themselves,” Rischbieth explained.
Senior Director, Head of Marketing for LEGO Australia & New Zealand, Angie Tutt, said that the mural exemplifies how empowerment through play can have a transformative effect.
“There’s never been a more exciting time for women’s football. The talent, skill and inclusivity in the game, inspire girls across the world and shows how nothing holds them back when they play their way,” said Tutt.
“The LEGO Group is celebrating the many ways in which girls play, encouraging girls to find freedom without boundaries, and we know role models play a big part in being catalysts for girls’ playing unstoppable.
“We’re so excited and humbled through our partnership with Football Australia and the CommBank Matildas, to continue to create spaces for girls to play freely, experiment and try new things because we know that when girls play, they’re unstoppable,” Tutt concluded.
Using predominantly brushes and water-based acrylic, this hand-painted mural took seven twelve-hour days and 15 – 20 litres of paint to execute. A true labour of love, Weber expressed her pride at being charged with breathing life into the design at an iconic location.
“As a female artist I am so thrilled to have been engaged to honour Australia’s very own CommBank Matildas!” said Weber. “This artwork celebrates and highlights the power of women breaking down the barriers to achieve their full potential, which in turn inspires young athletes to do the same.”
“I endeavour to connect with my audience by storytelling through my work. It speaks to the inclusiveness of women in what has traditionally been a male-dominated sport. This artwork has allowed us to express and speak to a greater audience that “we CAN and WILL, despite the challenges we still face in society today.
“I made a conscious choice to engage female artists/assistants on this project – thank you, Andrea Arias, Sol Magris and Laura Paige,” Weber concluded.
The CommBank Matildas will be back in action tonight when they take on Denmark at Stadium Australia with kick-off at 8.30 pm AEST.
About the Artist
Danielle Weber is an accomplished Australian artist based in Melbourne. Her passion and love for her craft is reflected in the diverse range of styles and high-quality work she produces.
With a rapidly growing social media presence and a strong reputation for excellence, Danielle has worked with high-profile clients, including Hollywood actors, Olympians, sporting stars, and business leaders. Her original pieces have garnered international recognition, and she continues to push the boundaries of her craft.
