Cairns Basketball has revealed its NBL1 North First Nations Round jerseys, created by local Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artist Beau Pennefather Motlop. The jerseys celebrate community, culture and connection, and will be worn by The Industry Estate Agents Cairns Dolphins and The Ground Australia Cairns Marlins during this year’s First Nations Round.

The design features woven patterns that symbolise strength and connection, and it deliberately honours both Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. Pennefather Motlop, whose grandfather was a Torres Strait Islander, made this dual representation a central focus of his work.

Pennefather Motlop shares a personal history with Cairns Basketball, having spent much of his early teens at the local courts.

“It kept us off the streets,” he said.

“Most of my time before age 18 was spent down on the outdoor courts, staying out of trouble and doing something positive. It’s cool to be able to create artwork for an organisation that did that for me.”

He was also intentional about representing the full breadth of Australia’s First Nations identity.

“A lot of the time when we do these things, we’re really just representing one and calling it Indigenous,” he said.

“It’s important for me to also represent the Torres Strait, because that’s the other flag we hold up. It was a pleasure to do it again, and I’m always happy to create artwork for a Cairns team.”

For the players, wearing the jersey carries deep meaning. Marlins player Kobe McDowell-White, of the Kungarakan clan with heritage across Darwin and also with family from Arnhem Land, said the design was special.

“The first look at the jersey is sick, and the meaning behind it is even more special,” he said.

“I can’t wait to put it on and play for my people, my culture, and represent everything I’ve come from.”

Dolphins player Leichan Williams, who is of Aboriginal, Torres Strait Islander and South Sea Islander heritage, welcomed the decision to work with a local artist.

“It brings that connection to the land, the people and the community of Cairns,” Williams said.

“Whenever I get to put on a jersey that incorporates my culture, there’s always a lot of pride in wearing it and it fuels me to want to play well for the team.”

“I get to represent my family and everything they went through to get me here.”

Ms Williams said that Beau Pennefather Motlop created “really beautiful” artwork for the jerseys.

“He put in the weaving patterns for strength and connection, and I think that represents our association really well, coming from a regional town, and it’s a great representation of who we are.”

The jerseys will make their debut when the teams play against Logan Thunder at their next home game this Friday, 10 July.

Cairns Basketball General Manager Luca Vergari said the NBL1 First Nations Round is an important moment of celebration.

“Some of our club’s greatest strengths, culture and diversity, are proudly reflected in the strong representation of First Nations athletes across both our men’s and women’s programs,” he said.

“Any chance we get to celebrate that and involve local Indigenous artists like Beau who help share and celebrate that culture is a win for us.”

“We take this round in particular seriously and will wear those jerseys with pride this coming round.”