The Perth Bears rugby league club is planning to introduce a distinctive hi-vis yellow jersey for a proposed resources round next season, aiming to honor the remote workforce in Western Australia’s mining and fly-in, fly-out (FIFO) sectors. The one-off jumper is intended to recognize the vital role these workers play both in the state’s economy and the broader national economy.
The initiative is still in its early stages, with final design details yet to be completed and subject to approval by the National Rugby League (NRL). The jersey concept features a bright yellow color with a high-visibility appearance, designed to be immediately recognizable. The Perth Bears’ CEO Anthony De Ceglie highlighted the significance of the resources industry to Western Australia and the country as a whole, noting the club’s desire to pay tribute to those employed in remote and offshore mining operations, particularly FIFO workers.
“We want to say thanks to those West Aussies working on mine sites or offshore, especially those who do FIFO,” De Ceglie said. He added that the club is exploring ways to link the jersey with charitable efforts, including the possibility of raising funds for a mental health organization that supports FIFO workers.
While the idea draws some inspiration from a similar initiative by the Newcastle Knights, who have worn an orange version of a hi-vis themed jersey for about a decade, the Perth Bears' proposed design aims to stand apart with its signature bright yellow coloring.
In addition to unveiling the new jumper, the club hopes to engage fans by encouraging them to wear hi-vis clothing to the resources round match. De Ceglie envisions a stadium filled with over 20,000 supporters donning hi-vis attire, creating a unified visual tribute to the sector.
The Perth Bears’ proposed resources round reflects a growing recognition of the challenges faced by remote workforces and represents an effort to raise awareness and support through sport. Final approvals and detailed arrangements remain pending, but the initiative signals the club’s commitment to highlighting an essential but often underappreciated segment of the Western Australian community.