With the NBL1's First Nations Round taking place this weekend, make sure to see the beautiful designs across the country and the meanings behind them below:
Sandringham Sabres
Artist: Meindah-Gunya
Story:
My Aboriginal name is Meindah-Gunya, meaning “Beautiful Spirit” in Peek Wuurong language. As a proud member of the Eastern Maar people of the Gunditjmara Nation in South-West Victoria, practicing and sharing my culture through art and storytelling is very special to me.”
The meaning behind the art: The dark blue meeting place represents the club/stadium and there are 12 people around it to represent the squad of players.
The surrounding smaller meeting places represent the other locations the squad goes to play. There are animal tracks through the painting to represent the connection to the Bunurong land which is known for being so close to the Bay.
The two journey lines up the top represent the men’s and women’s teams and their journey over time. The surrounding symbols represent the families, supporters and community members that make the club what it is today.
Diamond Valley Eagles
Artist: Djirringu Art
Story:
BUNJIL: Bunjil is Wurundjeri’s creator spirit, his physical form is the Wedge Tailed Eagle. Bunjil gave life to all living things, he watches over us and guides us. His spirit lives in Tharangalk Biik (Star Country). Bunjil is a figure of protection and safety whilst on Wurundjeri Country.
WURUN (MANNA GUM LEAVES): Wurundjeri are named after the Manna Gum as the Woiwurrung word for it is ‘Wurun’ (pronounced wah-rrun). In this artwork the Wurun symbolises the feeling of being welcome and included. We use the Wurun in our smoking ceremonies to welcome people onto country, the smoke from the fire cleanses any negative energy and spirits.
DIAMOND: The diamond is a sacred symbol used is Southeastern ‘Australia’, as we are a carving culture in ‘Victoria’ and don’t do dot art. It is a symbol of resilience and country. In this design it represents being resilient and powerful as a team and club,
CROSS HATCHING: The crosshatching is another prominent art style for Southeastern ‘Australia’. In this design it symbolises teamwork and working with each other to become stronger and smarter. Representing friendships and bonds at the club.
MEETING PLACES: The meeting places represent the community at the club, and everybody involved. Highlighting unity and everyone coming together for the love of sport.
Nunawading Spectres
Artist: Tiffany Hunter
Story: 'Legacy to excellence'
Ballarat Miners
Artist: Billy-Jay O’Toole, Wadawurrung Traditional Owner
Story:
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.
Casey Cavaliers
Artist: Katie Bugden
Melbourne Tigers
Artist: Yalanda Edwards
Story:
This design tells a story of the power of sportsmanship & respect
The 2 gathering groups on the top & bottom of the jumper represent yourself as a team & the team you verse when you take the court, the dots that surround each group across the shoulders & bottoms of the guernsey represent your strength, grit & commitment in your own right as a team.
the gathering group in the centre represents the 2 teams at the end of a match, coming together, shaking hands and upholding great sportsmanship no matter the results of the game or how tough it may have gotten on the court.
The black U symbols down the side of the yellow strips represent paying our respects to elders past present & future & the traditional owner group the Bunurong people, it’s the importance of acknowledging them in all settings and I wanted a space individually to recognise that.
