Imagine a million kids tuning in weekly, not just for the news, but to learn a word from an ancient language. That's the impact Jack Evans, a proud Gomeroi man and presenter of Behind the News (BTN), is making every week. But here's where it gets even more powerful: Jack isn't just sharing his culture through words; he's wearing it, quite literally, on his sleeve. Each week, he designs a unique T-shirt featuring a word from the Gamilaroi language, paired with a whimsical illustration. This isn't just a fashion statement—it's a bold move to preserve and celebrate Indigenous language in a way that resonates with young audiences.
Jack's mission is clear: "With our audience, I'm always trying to show that you should be proud of who you are and where you've come from." And he's walking the talk. By incorporating Gamilaroi words like 'Yaama' (hello) into his weekly greetings, Jack is normalizing Indigenous language in a mainstream setting. But this year, he took it a step further. "I thought, why not make a shirt each week with a word from my mob's language, Gamilaroi or Gomeroi, and add a little drawing to go with it?" he explains. This simple yet ingenious idea has turned his wardrobe into a living, breathing lesson in cultural heritage.
And this is the part most people miss: Jack is likely the first Indigenous Australian to present BTN, a fact that fuels his passion to amplify his culture. "Knowing that makes me want to shout it from the rooftops," he says. "I'm proud of it, and I want people to know that."
The process behind these T-shirts is as thoughtful as the message they carry. Each design begins with a Gamilaroi word, carefully selected from online dictionaries. "I look for words that either sound cool or inspire a fun drawing," Jack shares. Some designs come together in an afternoon, while others simmer for weeks. Take, for instance, the boot design. "It started as just one boot, but then I thought, 'No, it needs a pair, and those legs? They need to be hairy,'" he laughs. With the help of his boyfriend, Joel, these sketches are transformed into vinyl cutouts and heat-pressed onto T-shirts. It's a labor of love that blends creativity with cultural reconnection.
But why does this matter? Indigenous languages are on the brink of extinction. A 2019 survey revealed that out of 250 Indigenous Australian languages spoken before colonization, only 12 are still being actively learned by children. Jack's T-shirts are a small but significant step in the fight to preserve these languages. "If the audience takes away just one word, I think that's great," he says. Bold move, right? But here's the controversial part: Is wearing a T-shirt enough to save a language? Or does it take more systemic efforts? We’d love to hear your thoughts in the comments.
Jack's project also has a deeply personal layer. Growing up without fluent Gamilaroi speakers, he’s using this initiative to reconnect with his roots. His grandmother, denied her Indigenous identity to protect her, only discovered her heritage later in life, thanks to Jack's aunt, who meticulously researched their family history. "She’s been instrumental in bringing back that connection," Jack reflects. Now, his aunt and brother are studying Gamilaroi at TAFE, part of a broader movement to revive Indigenous languages through education. This raises another question: How can we better support these efforts in our communities?
The impact of Jack's T-shirts hasn't gone unnoticed. BTN fans, especially students, are taking note. One school even submitted design suggestions, including a magpie, which Jack incorporated. Another school shared that their favorite part of each episode is seeing Jack's latest T-shirt. "It’s nice to see that my pride in my culture and language resonates with people," Jack says. When asked to pick a favorite design, he laughs, "It’s like choosing a favorite child! But I do have a soft spot for the drag kangaroo."
The drag kangaroo, initially a request from a school, started as a menacing sketch. "Joel said it looked terrifying, so I turned it into a drag kangaroo because drag isn’t terrifying!" Jack explains. Now, he’s dreaming of a whole series of drag animals. Is this just fun fashion, or is it a subtle way to challenge stereotypes? You decide.
As Jack continues to create original T-shirts each week, his ultimate goal is clear: to inspire young viewers to embrace their identities. "Everything I do is for my younger self," he says. "I want to be the role model I never had." Whether it’s through a T-shirt, a greeting, or a simple conversation, Jack is proving that pride in one’s culture can be both powerful and contagious. So, here’s our final thought-provoking question: How can each of us, in our own way, celebrate and preserve the cultures that shape us? Share your ideas below—let’s keep the conversation going!
