INDIGENOUS ROUNDS RETURN FOR 2025

Competitions
Written by Caleb Fogarty
2 April, 2025

Basketball NSW is proud to reaffirm its commitment to honouring Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities across Australia with the Indigenous Round in the Waratah Junior and Senior Leagues for the fourth consecutive year.

With a strong dedication to working alongside First Nations communities, Basketball NSW continues to address the barriers to basketball participation, ensuring that everyone has the opportunity to engage in and enjoy the sport. First Nations Peoples are a key focus in our 2023-2025 Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan, and this round serves as a meaningful celebration of their rich histories, vibrant cultures, and outstanding contributions to basketball in NSW and beyond.

Through this initiative, Basketball NSW aims to foster mutual respect among players at all levels, promoting inclusivity and unity within the basketball community.

By championing the Indigenous Round, we hope to encourage greater understanding and appreciation among all participants, reinforcing the significance of recognising and celebrating First Nations Peoples and their cultural heritage within the sport.

Indigenous Round Dates:

  • Waratah Southern Junior League – Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April
  • Waratah Western Junior League – Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April
  • Waratah North-Eastern Junior League – Saturday 5th & Sunday 6th April
  • Waratah Northern Junior League – Saturday 21st June & Sunday 22nd June
  • Waratah Eastern Junior League – Saturday 21st June & Sunday 22nd June
  • Waratah Metro Junior League – Sunday 20th July
  • Waratah Premier Junior League – Saturday 19th & Sunday 20th July
  • Waratah League4th, 5th & 6th July
  • NBL1 East (First Nations Round) – 4th, 5th & 6th July

During the 2025 Indigenous Rounds, we are honoured to receive Welcome to Country ceremonies by local Elders at several venues.

Our apparel partner, iAthletic, will be present at selected SJL, WJL, and NEJL locations. However, we encourage all customers wishing to purchase Indigenous Round merchandise to do so online to avoid missing out.

In collaboration with iAthletic, you can now purchase official Basketball NSW Indigenous Round merchandise, featuring Aboriginal artist Jordan Ardler’s artwork, along with specially designed socks to commemorate the round.

Profits from these sales will directly support local Aboriginal organisations in the areas where the round is being held. 

👉 Click here to purchase merchandise.

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