17 Dec 2024
BridgeClimb Sydney Unveils First New Climb Suit in 12 Years, Designed in Collaboration with First Nations Artist Taleena Simon
BridgeClimb Sydney is thrilled to unveil its newly reimagined Climb Suit — the first major redesign in over 12 years. This vibrant new design, created in collaboration with renowned First Nations artist Taleena Simon, is more than just a grey onesie; it’s a powerful symbol of unity and respect.
A Celebration of Culture and Heritage
Deb Zimmer, CEO of BridgeClimb, expressed her excitement about the collaboration: “At BridgeClimb, we’re proud to celebrate and share Australia’s diverse cultural heritage. 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. Taleena shared her inspiration: “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 peoples who have called this land home for millennia.”
The Artistry Behind the New Climb Suit
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 represent 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 climb suit.
Cultural Experiences & Growing Demand
Phillipa Harrison, Managing Director of Tourism Australia, said: “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 Indigenous tourism experiences right around the country.”
“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.”
A Tribute to Cultural Inclusivity and Reconciliation
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.
The Production of the New Climb Suit
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.
For more information about BridgeClimb Sydney, and to access and download images and footage, please visit: www.bridgeclimb.com/media
For all enquiries and interview requests, please contact:
Brock Goodhill | PR Manager | 0400 285 799 | bgoodhill@bridgeclimb.com
About BridgeClimb Sydney
BridgeClimb Sydney is an iconic Australian experience that takes visitors on a journey to the summit of the nation’s most celebrated structure, the Sydney Harbour Bridge. Since its launch on 1 October 1998, BridgeClimb has welcomed over 4.5 million climbers to its famous arches.
The attraction offers four unique climb experiences: Summit, Summit Insider, Ultimate, and the Burrawa Aboriginal Climb. Additionally, it hosts special event climbs throughout the year, such as the Vivid Sydney Climb.
About Taleena Simon
Taleena Simon is a proud Worimi and Bundjalung woman, known for her achievements as both a professional rugby league player and an Indigenous artist. A former NRL Women's Premiership player for the Sydney Roosters, Taleena brings the same passion to her art as she did to the field.
Her artwork is celebrated for its vibrant use of colour and cultural storytelling, inspired by her Indigenous heritage. Through her art, Taleena highlights the deep connection between land, water, and people, creating pieces that honour the traditions and histories of First Nations communities.