BridgeClimb Sydney has unveiled its newly reimagined climb suit, designed in collaboration with First Nations Artist Taleena Simon.
This vibrant new design, the first major redesign in over 12 years, is more than just a grey onesie: it’s a powerful symbol of unity and respect.
“At BridgeClimb, we’re proud to celebrate and share Australia’s diverse cultural heritage,” BridgeClimb CEO, Deb Zimmer, said. “Partnering with Taleena Simon has been both uplifting and enlightening and we’re excited to introduce this significant evolution to our iconic BridgeClimb experience.”
Taleena Simon, a proud Worimi and Bundjalung woman, brings her unique vision and storytelling to the artwork featured on the new climb suit.
“I wanted to create a piece that not only celebrates the beauty of the landscape but also honours the ancestral connections and stories of the Indigenous people who have called this land home for millennia,” she said.
The original artwork commissioned by BridgeClimb, which inspired the new climb suit design, intricately weaves a narrative about the cultural landscape of Sydney Harbour and its surroundings.
Titled Warrane – Past and Present, the artwork features blue dots symbolising the waterways of Sydney Harbour, alongside light and dark brown dots representing the land. Key elements, such as humpback whales birthing in the harbour and fisherwomen navigating the waters in their Nawi canoes, add rich depth to the artwork’s cultural tapestry.
At the heart of the design is a gathering circle symbolising BridgeClimb, woven with the iconic Harbour Bridge pattern. Smaller circles surrounding it represents groups participating in the Burrawa Climb, reflecting the Gadigal people’s shared history and culture with climbers.
Taleena’s artwork will also be displayed prominently within the BridgeClimb base, offering the public a chance to explore the cultural narrative woven into the new suit.
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander history, cultures, and traditions are an incredibly important part of the Australian tourism industry and there is no doubt we are seeing growing demand for Indigenour tourism experience right around the country,” Tourism Australia managing director, Phillipa Harrison, said.
“Our tourism operators are increasingly looking for ways to include Indigenous elements and BridgeClimb’s new climb suits are a wonderful acknowledgment of the importance of the oldest living cultures on Earth in one of our most iconic tourism experiences.”
The new Climb Suit reflects BridgeClimb’s ongoing commitment to reconciliation and cultural inclusivity. Having completed a REFLECT Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) with Reconciliation Australia, BridgeClimb is set to commence its INNOVATE RAP in 2025.
Producing the new climb suit for BridgeClimb is a monumental undertaking. A fleet of 7,000 suits is required to accommodate guests, with each suit meticulously designed to meet strict safety standards. This includes specialised attachments and sun protection features.
The colour palette is carefully chosen to blend with the iconic Bridge, while the First Nations design, featured on the shoulders and arms, introduces a vibrant connection to Indigenous culture.
