The Australian High Commission has unveiled a new set of staff uniforms whose design incorporates Samoan and Australian artwork and celebrates Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary.

Announcing details of the new attire on Thursday afternoon, the High Commission said the uniforms' release is in celebration of Samoa's 60th Independence anniversary, with its design incorporating artwork from Samoan artists Lalovai Peseta and Nikki Mariner of Manamea Art Studio, together with Queensland-based Elaine Chambers-Hegarty.

Ms. Chambers-Hegarty is an Indigenous Australian artist with cultural links to the Koa, Kuku Yalanji and Barada Barna peoples. The final design was elei printed by Pacific Jewell.

The Australian High Commissioner to Samoa, Emily Luck, spoke of  the significance of "community connections" between Australia and Samoa.

“It tells a story of community connections, of coming together to support one another, as well as recognising the collective journeys we have taken, and the promise of what’s to come,” said Ms. Luck.  

“It pays tribute to the ocean that binds us and honours the stewardship of the environment by the people of the Blue Pacific.” 

Mr. Peseta also spoke about the connection to the land and source, while Ms. Mariner highlighted the "sacred duty" to protect these resources.

“The Samoan motifs speak about our connection to the land and sea, our sources of life,” said Mr Peseta.  

“It also speaks about shelter and protection, and our sacred duty to protect these resources not just for ourselves, but for our future generations,” added Ms. Mariner.

As described by Ms. Chambers-Hegarty, the Australian elements of the design represent community circles and places of gathering. The circles represent the communities of both Australia and Samoa, with the connecting lines signifying the "strong and dynamic links of our partnership".

The High Commissioner expressed her appreciation to the Samoan and Australian artists, whose work she said captured the spirit of the Australia–Samoa relationship. 

“We are humbled to have such talented artists collaborate on this beautiful design for our uniforms, capturing the spirit of the relationship between our two countries” said Ms. Luck. 

“We congratulate the Government of Samoa and its people on celebrating its 60^th Independence, an incredible milestone.”