NBL1 First Nations Round: The Meaning Behind The Artwork

The artwork for this year's NBL1 First Nations Round was created by Brooke Sutton, a proud Kalkadoon woman and contemporary indigenous artist.

In her design, the large orange community symbol in the centre of the artwork represents NBL1. The four rings within the main community symbol represents their 4 key pillars; facilitating equity and cohesion, supporting clubs and players, strengthening and promoting basketball pathways, and creating more opportunities for all to play basketball.

The different sized U symbols and people represent NBL1 being a safe and respectful environment for all (including Indigenous and First Nations peoples and LGBTQ+ communities).

The white rays emanating from the main community symbols represents their aim to unite Australia’s varied and vast Basketball Communities.

The 6 coloured community symbols around the main community symbol represents how NBL1 is a collaboration between the National Basketball League (Purple), Basketball Queensland (Pink), Basketball New South Wales (Red), Basketball South Australia (Yellow), Basketball Victoria (Green), and Basketball Western Australia (Blue).

The travelling lines connecting each of these community symbols represent the connection of communities through the sport of basketball, from the North to the South, the East to the West, and the Central Regions of Australia. 

The 5 people symbols with rays emanating from the middle largest one represents NBL1’s value of acting with integrity and respect.

The two large handprints with the star between them represent their value of being open to new ideas whilst maintaining accountability.

The many different U shapes throughout the design represents that everyone involved with the NBL1 are fans of basketball.

The Kangaroo and Emu footprints represent the NBL1 going from strength to strength and is now regarded as one of the best semi-professional basketball leagues in the world and how they are always moving forwards and never backwards.

The 6 white dotted circles throughout the design represents the NBL's 6 values; Always think big, be accountable, integrity is key, show respect, we are fans too, and one team.

The footprints that travel towards the main community symbol and then off to the left side of the design represents the unique paths each individual takes to become part of the NBL1 which leads into the future, possibly becoming a part of the NBL.

The ocean, river, mountains and leaves represent the varied regions, environments, and communities that form the backdrop of the journeys of those within the NBL.

You can read more about Brooke and her journey here.