Illawarra Basketball Unveils First-Ever First Nations Round Jersey

Illawarra Basketball is proud to celebrate a significant moment in the Association’s history with the launch of its very first First Nations Round jersey, recognising and honouring Aboriginal culture, storytelling, and community connection.

Designed with meaning and deep cultural significance, the artwork featured on the jersey was created by Aunty Trish Levett, known traditionally as Kalawatawarra (Dragonfly), a proud Gundungurra woman from the mountains of the Southern Highlands of NSW (Mittagong). Born and raised on her traditional Ngurra (land) and now living on Dharawal Country, Aunty Trish carries a profound connection to the muddy rivers, the lands, the stories, and the old ways that continue to shape her practice and artwork today.

Artwork Acknowledgement

The artwork acknowledges Elders on traditional land at a sacred healing site, representing connection, strength, culture, and community. Through the jersey design, Illawarra Basketball hopes to celebrate the stories and traditions of First Nations peoples while creating a platform for education, recognition, and unity across the basketball community.

Illawarra Basketball would also like to sincerely thank the Illawarra Aboriginal Medical Service for their support throughout this initiative and encourages everyone to learn more about the Healthy Deadly Kids program and the important work being done within the community.

A special thank you also goes to uniform model Chelsea Hogg, who proudly helped launch the jersey ahead of the upcoming First Nations Round celebrations.

Chelsea shared her excitement about what the initiative means to her:

“I’m really excited and proud to be playing in the First Nations Round. It means a lot to be able to represent my culture whilst playing a sport I love. It will be a great weekend to celebrate NAIDOC Week alongside my team.”

The First Nations jerseys will make their on-court debut during Illawarra Basketball’s HOME double-header weekend on Saturday 4 July and Sunday 5 July against Albury and Comets, in what promises to be a powerful celebration of culture, community, and basketball.

Supporters can purchase the First Nations jerseys online now through ATHLEAD Illawarra Hawks Store.

Orders must be placed by midnight on 24 May to ensure delivery in late June ahead of the First Nations Round weekend.