From the players: What NAIDOC Week means to them

Prior to the 50th anniversary of NAIDOC Week, which began on July 6 and will be celebrated until July 13, players from NBL1 clubs were asked about the theme for 2025 and what NAIDOC Week means to them.

The NAIDOC Week theme in 2025 is The Next Generation: Strength Vision & Legacy. You can read more about the theme here.

“The theme this year is one of my favourites. A huge part of our culture is storytelling and community and in a world that’s constantly changing, [and] now feels like a really important time to look at our young ones and help show them the way and show them what they can achieve.

“It’s on us to set an example and pave the way for our young ones, while also honouring and respecting the ones who came before us. We are the generation that has the opportunity to change history, and so it’s important we show the ones before us that we’ve listened and let them guide us, while also showing our young ones that they can forge their own path and they’re protected by those who have come before them.”

- Lily Sarra (Ipswich Force - NBL1 North)

“NAIDOC means a lot to me as it’s a time for our people to come together and celebrate the hardship our ancestors have overcome and also for me individually as it is a week for me to play for and represent my people.”

- Anthony Mundine III (Sydney Comets – NBL1 East)  

“NAIDOC means the [celebration of] the survival of our culture and educating its necessity and significance to Australia.

“This year’s theme means innovating how we are able to inspire youth to be strong leaders and refining why we need them to continue our traditions.”

- Isaiah Walley-Stack (Perth Redbacks - NBL1 West)  

“NAIDOC Week is a time for me to honour my culture, ancestors, and the strength of my community.

“As an Indigenous NBL1 player, I carry the pride and resilience of my people every time I step on the court. That’s why it’s more than basketball to me because when we play our sport, it also comes with representation, identity, and inspiring the next generation.

“This year’s theme reminds me that every step I take is built on the strength of those who came before me. It fills me with pride and strength to see our stories, struggles, and achievements honoured and shared. It also encourages me to keep our culture alive and strong for future generations.”

- Ambah Kowcun (Woodville Warriors - NBL1 Central)

“NAIDOC week means a lot me. We get to come together as one and show case our culture. I’m just happy I can get the chance to showcase it on the court and represent my culture on the court.”

- Verle Williams (Geraldton Buccaneers – NBL1 West)

“NAIDOC [is] a time for both celebration and commemoration for First Nations people. A time to reflect and observe achievements of our community. It’s a special time of year to look forward to coming together.”

- Tidjane Diop (Gold Coast Rollers – NBL1 North)

“NAIDOC to me is about community, celebration, and resilience.”

- Sian Gillam (Ringwood Hawks – NBL1 South)