Imagine a world where a simple t-shirt can spark a cultural revival. That's the reality for Jack Evans, the vibrant presenter of Behind the News (BTN), who is using his platform to share his Indigenous heritage with a captivated audience of young viewers. Every week, Jack greets a million kids with 'Yaama,' the Gamilaroi word for 'hello,' a testament to his pride in his Gomeroi roots. But this is just the beginning.
Jack's passion for his culture goes beyond a simple greeting. He has found a unique way to weave his language and heritage into the show: designing a new t-shirt each week featuring a word from his mob's language, Gamilaroi or Gomeroi, accompanied by a creative drawing.
"I'm always trying to show that you should be proud of who you are and where you've come from," Jack shares, and this project is a beautiful embodiment of that philosophy.
And this is the part most people miss... Jack's journey is not just about the t-shirts; it's about reclaiming and celebrating his identity. "As far as we know, I'm the first Indigenous Australian to present the show," Jack proudly states. This realization fuels his desire to amplify his culture, using his platform to educate and inspire.
Getting Creative with Culture
Each t-shirt design is a labor of love, starting with a Gamilaroi word. Jack delves into dictionaries, selecting words that inspire him, either for their meaning or their visual potential. Some designs come together in an afternoon, while others simmer for weeks, like the 'boot' design that evolved into a pair of boots with hairy legs. With the help of his boyfriend, Joel, these designs are transformed into vinyl cutouts, heat-pressed onto the shirts.
"I also just thought it was a cool way to sneak a bit of culture into each episode," Jack explains, showing how he cleverly incorporates his heritage into his work.
Language at Risk and the Power of Connection
But here's where it gets controversial... Jack's project has a deeper meaning, rooted in the challenges faced by Indigenous languages. He didn't grow up with fluent Gamilaroi speakers. His grandmother, to protect herself, was denied her identity.
"It was later in life that she found out things thanks to my auntie, who did a lot of research into our family history and worked out all the connections," Jack explains. His aunt and brother have studied Gamilaroi, contributing to the preservation and revival of the language. A 2019 survey revealed that only 12 out of 250 Indigenous Australian languages are still being actively acquired by children. Jack sees his t-shirts as a small but meaningful contribution to ensuring these languages thrive. "If they [the audience] take away just one word, I think that's great," he says.
The Impact on Young Viewers
BTN fans have embraced Jack's t-shirt designs, with some even pitching their own ideas. One school that teaches Gamilaroi suggested a design featuring a magpie, which Jack incorporated. For many young viewers, the highlight of each episode is seeing Jack's new t-shirt.
"For me, it's about being able to connect myself more with my culture and language, so it's nice that that resonates with people," Jack shares.
Choosing a Favorite
When asked to pick a favorite t-shirt, Jack hesitates, but eventually, he settles on the 'drag kangaroo.' Initially, a school requested a kangaroo design. "Joel was like, 'That looks so menacing! That kangaroo looks terrifying!' So, I was like, 'OK, how do I make this less terrifying? I'll turn it into a drag kangaroo, because drag isn't terrifying!" Jack says.
A Message of Pride
Jack plans to continue creating original t-shirts each week, hoping to inspire the young people who watch BTN. "Everything I do is for my younger self… you want to be that role model that you didn't have," he says. His message is clear: "It's less about the specifics of the T-shirts themselves, but a way of just showing pride in who you are — whatever culture, wherever you're from, however you identify, whatever it is, be proud of it."
What do you think of Jack's creative approach to sharing his culture? Do you believe that small acts, like wearing a t-shirt, can contribute to preserving and revitalizing languages? Share your thoughts in the comments below!
