First Nations Uniform: Ballarat Miners

The Ballarat Miners have unveiled their 2024 First Nations uniform design.

Designed by the artist Billy-Jay O’Toole, a Wadawurrung Traditional Owner, the design starts with Bunjil (wedge-tailed eagle) in the middle of the shirts. Bunjil is the creator of Wadawurrung country 60,000 years ago. Bunjil using his big powerful wings created and shaped the landscape of Wadawurrung Country.

Underneath Bunjil is representing our Mountain Country, in particular Mount Buninyong which is a huge presence as you are on your way into Ballarat.

The eucalyptus leaves are to welcome all players, volunteers, and supporters onto Wadawurrung Country to celebrate the First Nations round for the Ballarat Miners.

The Emu footprints resonate sole heartedly on game day we all make mistakes whether it’s in life or on a basketball court it’s important that we learn from our mistakes and don’t take a backward step and continue to move forward just like the emu always moves forward and can’t walk backward.

The back of the top starting from the bottom has footprints to represent everyone journeying to the games.

The 3 meeting places above are to represent the 2 teams and the umpires who are involved in the game. Above that I’ve incorporated some traditional markings to showcase that you’re on Wadawurrung Country.

The large meeting place that is isolated on the back of the top next to the number is to symbolize the Ballarat Miners as an organization with the handprints to represent their commitment to reconciliation and celebrating First Nations Indigenous round within the NBL1.

Ballarat Miners' Chris Thornton (Partnerships & Marketing Manager - Ballarat Basketball) spoke about the NBL1 First Nation's round.

"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."

"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. "

This week, and this weekend's two home games, are about so much more than wearing a different jersey. It is about community engagement, understanding, and acceptance of the proud culture and history of our First Nations people."

"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.".