Winmar’s jumper sells for $100,000

The jumper worn by Aboriginal AFL star Nicky Winmar.

VICTORIA: The St Kilda jumper Nicky Winmar wore when he came under racist chants by Collingwood fans has sold for $100,000 to Museum Victoria, after being passed in at auction for $95,000 earlier this year.

In response to the racial abuse the Aboriginal player was copping at Victoria Park in 1993, Winmar lifted the jumper and pointed to his skin, an image that was captured forever by photographers.

Although there was a question over the authenticity of the jumper, Museum Victoria says it has done its due diligence and, together with affidavits from the vendor, is happy it’s the real thing.

The museum bought the jumper from American basketball player Tim O’Brien, who became friends with Winmar and swapped jumpers with him as a sporting gesture in 1994.

Proceeds from the sale will go to funding a documentary on racism in sport.

Museum Victoria chief executive Patrick Greene says the jumper represents one of the most significant events in Australian cultural history.

“Nicky Winmar’s famous action, in which he responded to racial abuse by raising the jumper and proudly pointing to his skin, is recognised as a celebrated stand against racism in sport and we are excited to have the opportunity to share his story,” Mr Greene said.

It will be displayed in the First Peoples exhibition in the Bunjilaka Aboriginal Cultural Centre at Melbourne Museum in July 2013.

AAP