Resting place shines in Indigenous Round

THE Hotondo Homes Ballarat Miners and Selkirk Ballarat Rush hosted NBL1 South Indigenous Round games last Saturday during NAIDOC Week.

In their clashes against Knox, both Ballarat Basketball sides wore a new and unique Indigenous jersey, designed by artist and Gunditjmara man Jayden Lillyst.

“The lettering on the front, Ballaarat, is a Wadawurrung word for a resting and stop-off place,” he said.

“I’m pretty much anywhere between here, my country, and Melbourne, so Ballarat is always going to be my stopping-off place.

“In the design I made sure I incorporated the idea of tracks, and the sun, which can be interpreted as rising or going down, in the east or the west.”

Lillyst said it’s important for young First Nations people to see their culture in high-profile sporting areas.

“It’s something kids will look at and go, ‘I understand that design, I know that’s track, I know that white colour is significant to spirituality, and I know that flag and the colours of that flag.’

“It’s giving us the opportunity to keep doing our culture today. Art and sport keep us healthy, both mind, body and soul. Steps like this help the community,” he said.

Twenty-two-year-old Miner, William Hickey is a proud Wiradjuri/Gamilaroi (Gomeroi) man.

“I love the jerseys, especially as they’ve been designed by a local artist,” he said.

“I’m an Indigenous man before a basketball player. Culture is probably the biggest thing I take part in.”

Rush player Alicia Froling said Indigenous Round is a chance to connect with young basketballers who have big dreams.

“It’s great that we’re recognising the First Peoples of this land and showing Indigenous kids that there are pathways for them, and that this sport is something they can do,” she said.