Perth BMX club to remove Confederate flag from logo after backlash

Complaints filed against the Southside BMX Club forces a rebranding of their 37-year-old logo.

Southside BMX Club

Perth's Southside BMX Club has been forced to rebrand and change its logo after complaints over the use of the Confederate flag. Source: southsidebmx.com

Locals in the southern Perth suburb of Bulls Creek made complaints about the club’s flag on the basis that it was "racially insensitive".  

The Confederate flag was used in the American Civil War from 1861-65 by those who were fighting to keep slavery in the south.

Sandra Winfield, the President of Southside BMX Club, told Perth talkback radio station 6PR that it was a “difficult” decision to change the club’s flag.

“It was not my proudest moment as president having to change the flag because it means so much to the club, but we felt that it was the right decision to change the club’s logo.”

In a statement on the club's official website, Ms Winfield said the logo was chosen over three decades ago because of "geographical reasons" as their club is located south. 

The club acknowledges the flag has associations with white supremacy and racism but said the BMX club has always been about positivity and inclusiveness.
Ms Winfield said the design was chosen as it represented “good southern [American] values, hospitality, loyalty and being family orientated”.

Last week a man named Joseph noticed Southside’s logo and voiced his concern on 6PR radio station.

He said the club’s entrance displayed a big banner which showed the Confederate flag on each end of the sign.
"[The fact] the state WA [BMX] championships will be held at this venue with the Confederate flag for all to see... I just think it's highly inappropriate. I think that if you knew the facts behind it you just wouldn't choose to have it representing you as a club.”

The club stated Southside BMX has a "strong reputation" for being family oriented as well as being "friendly and loyal".

It will cost the BMX club $20,000 to rebrand. The not-for-profit group said it will take a “little while” to come up with the money.

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2 min read

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By Rangi Hirini



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