In a celebration of culture, community, and connection to Country, the Ballarat Miners have unveiled their new First Nations uniform in partnership with Central Highlands Water (CHW). The unveiling took place at the Buxton Minerdome, featuring the inspired design by Noongar Traditional Custodian, Shakira Winmar.
The design combines the Miners’ traditional navy and gold colours with vibrant elements that symbolise “the journey we travel, the water that surrounds us, the community that supports us, and the team that unites us”. It captures the essence of First Nations culture and the strong community spirit for which Ballarat Miners are known for.
Inspired by the waterways of the Central Highlands region, the design symbolizes this deep connection and the shared journey of players and their supporters alike. As proud CHW Choose Tap Ambassadors, the Miners recognise the deep importance of water and Caring for Country.
Noongar Traditional Custodian Shakira Winmar was proud to design the 2025 Ballarat Miners First Nations uniform.
“I am a proud Noongar woman. Growing up in Ballarat and watching my children play basketball has made it especially meaningful for me to design the 2025 Ballarat Miners First Nations basketball uniform and CHW Choose Tap water bottle. The design, titled “The Water That Surrounds Us,” is deeply meaningful to me. It represents the waterways that flow through our town and the Central Highlands Water region here in Ballarat, reflecting the deep connection between land, water, and community. The design also tells the story of our athletes, their journeys throughout their careers, and each basketball season. It reflects the support of the community that stands behind them, cheering them on every week, and celebrates how the Ballarat Miners Men and Women unite us all.”
Central Highlands Water Head of Environmental Services Carsten Berberich was honoured to again work with the Ballarat Miners this year.
“We are proud to partner with the Ballarat Miners to celebrate First Nations culture and our shared connection to Country through this meaningful design. Shakira Winmar’s design beautifully reflects the importance of water, community, and the journey we all travel together. We’re honoured to support this celebration during the First Nations Round and as part of NAIDOC Week.”
Basketball Ballarat Partnerships and Marketing Manager Chris Thornton was grateful to unveil the new uniform.
“This uniform is more than a jersey, it’s a powerful representation of culture, connection, and pride. We are honoured to stand alongside our First Nations communities and showcase a design that tells the story of Country, of water, and of unity. It’s a reminder of the responsibility we have to listen, learn, and lead with respect. We’re incredibly grateful to Shakira Winmar for her stunning artwork and storytelling. Shakira and her family have a rich and proud history with Ballarat Basketball, and it’s very special to see that legacy reflected in this design. We also deeply appreciate our ongoing partnership with Central Highlands Water, whose support and shared commitment to celebrating culture and strengthening community connection make projects like this possible.”
Both the men’s and women’s teams will wear the new uniforms during this weekend’s NBL1 First Nations Round, when they take on the Kilsyth Cobras from 5:30 pm at the Buxton Minderome.
Earlier this year, the design also featured on Choose Tap water bottles launched during the Ballarat Begonia Festival, highlighting the ongoing Choose Tap partnership between the Ballarat Miners and Central Highlands Water.