Uniform celebrates Country and community

THE Ballarat Miners took to the court last weekend in a First Nations uniform designed by Noongar Traditional Custodian, Shakira Winmar.

The uniform celebrates Country, community and culture with the Miners’ traditional blue and gold colours.

The artwork symbolises a journey surrounded by water and community, and the importance of teamwork.

“Growing up in Ballarat and watching my children play basketball has made it especially meaningful for me to design the 2025 Ballarat Miners First Nations basketball uniform and CHW Choose Tap water bottle,” Winmar said.

“The design, titled The Water That Surrounds Us is deeply meaningful to me.

“It represents the waterways that flow through our town and the Central Highlands Water region here in Ballarat, reflecting the deep connection between land, water, and community.”

The project is partnership with Central Highlands Water and the design was also featured on Choose Tap water bottles launched at the 2025 Ballarat Begonia Festival.

“We are proud to partner with the Ballarat Miners to celebrate First Nations culture and our shared connection to Country through this meaningful design,” Central Highlands Water head of environmental services Carsten Berberich said.

“Shakira Winmar’s design beautifully reflects the importance of water, community, and the journey we all travel together.

“We’re honoured to support this celebration during the First Nations Round and as part of NAIDOC Week.”