Local Aboriginal artist designs mission patch for Koonibba Test Range
16 August 2022, Koonibba SA. Local Koonibba artist, Kevina Ware, has designed the mission patch for the next rocket launch mission from Southern Launch’s Koonibba Test Range which is due to launch in the coming weeks.
The Koonibba Mission Patch designed by Kevina Ware
Polo shirt featuring the Koonibba Mission Patch
The artwork will be used on a range of merchandise available to purchase from the Koonibba General Store. Merchandise will also be available to a national and international market through the Southern Launch website with all profits going back to the Koonibba Community.
Kevina explains the story behind her artwork.
‘This design depicts the two forms of defence, from traditional to modern day - being the boomerang and the rocket’ Kevina said.
‘The footprints represent the aboriginal people that have walked through this country – from the land to the sea for thousands of years. and the camps are where the people now reside in the area.’
Southern Launch approached Kevina to design the mission patch as part of their ongoing relationship with the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.
Southern Launch CEO Lloyd Damp says, ‘The Koonibba Community has been instrumental in helping us to develop the Koonibba Test Range which was Australia’s first licensed space launch facility. Commissioning local artists from the Koonibba community to design mission patches is something we will do as often as we can, and we look forward to showcasing their artwork on a global scale.’
Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation CEO Corey McLennan says, ‘Our entire community is proud to be directly involved in the development and operation of the Koonibba Test Range.’
‘The Koonibba Test Range provides employment opportunities and increased investment for our community during launch campaigns. We also benefit from tourists coming to see Koonibba and the tourism dollars that brings to our General Store. ‘
Launch merchandise featuring the launch mission patch artwork is available to purchase through the Koonibba General Store or via the Southern Launch website. All proceeds go back to the Koonibba Community - https://www.southernlaunch.space/store
About Southern Launch
Southern Launch is an innovative space company providing launch services and bespoke rocket subsystems and designs to customers.
The Koonibba Test Range is Australia’s first licensed space launch facility and extends out 145 kilometres over an uninhabited national park. The Koonibba Test Range provides companies with the ability to recover their rocket and payload and do further testing and systems validation before launching into orbit.
Southern Launch also operates the Whalers Way Orbital Launch Complex near Port Lincoln on the Eyre Peninsula.
Southern Launch is committed to providing Australia with world-class space launch complexes, whilst simultaneously contributing to material habitat improvement, consequent biodiversity improvement and the long-term survival of local fauna and flora species.
About Koonibba
Koonibba is one of South Australia’s oldest mission-founded Aboriginal communities, with a history of more than 120 years. Located near Ceduna on the Eyre Peninsula, Koonibba is home to more than 200 people.
Indigenous people of Wirangu, Kokatha and Mirning descent continue to live and practice culture on this land, maintaining traditions of utmost significance. With strong and close kinship, flourishing sporting teams and vibrant arts and music contributions, the community is proudly self-managed by the Koonibba Community Aboriginal Corporation.
About Kevina Ware
Kevina Ware is an artist and proud Wirangu/Mirning woman living in Koonibba, South Australia.
Media contact: Amy Featherston, Media and Communications Southern Launch, 0400 456 016 media@southernlaunch.space
