Uniform a welcome to Wadawurrung Country

THE Ballarat Miners have released this year’s First Nations uniform design by artist and Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, Billy-Jay O’Toole.

The uniform was worn last weekend as part of the First Nations Indigenous round within the NBL1.

Chris Thornton, partnerships and marketing manager at Ballarat Basketball, said it was important to showcase the stories of Wadawurrung people and their community.

“The Ballarat Miners are truly grateful and appreciative to be afforded the opportunity to not only perform during the NBL1s First Nations Round but to more importantly showcase these outstanding jerseys and the stories that it represents for our Wadawurrung people and their community,” he said.

“BJ is a proud Wadawurrung person and an amazing artist who we have been fortunate enough to work with in past seasons on other designs, all of which have always come out and been presented so very well. ”

The design features Bunjil the wedge-tailed eagle in the centre, who the Wadawurrung believe created their country 60,000 years ago.

Illustrations below Bunjil represent mountain country, including Mount Buninyong, and eucalyptus leaves are to welcome all players, volunteers, and supporters onto Wadawurrung Country.

Emu footprints signify that it is okay to make mistakes, whether in life or on the basketball court, and it is important all learn from them.

The back of the top includes three meeting places which symbolise the two teams and umpires involved in the game as well as a large meeting place that represents the Ballarat Miners organisation.

“We ensure that all of our athletes, coaches, and association community members are involved with this messaging so that they too understand the importance of the round and our Wadawurrung people and community,” said Mr Thornton.