Since the Latrobe Regional Hospital commission and Deadly in Gippsland, Gunaikurnai artist Alfred ‘Alfie’ Carter has been busy designing the 2025 First Nations Basketball Jersey for the Rookie Me Melbourne Tigers.

The story behind the First Nations Basketball Jersey

“A long time ago, different Aboriginal mobs would travel across the land to meet at important places: river crossings, rock formations, and shared spaces rich with meaning. These gatherings were about more than trade. They were about building relationships, learning from one another, and keeping culture strong.

Each mob brought something of value; ochres, tools, cloaks, woven items, knowledge, and song. These exchanges were done with respect, and each journey was part of a bigger story that connected people across the land.

This artwork shows those movement lines, tracks carved into memory over thousands of years. The circles represent the places where people came together to share, listen, and grow.

That spirit of coming together still continues today in new forms.

The Melbourne Tigers, one of Australia’s oldest basketball clubs, have been part of the community since 1931. Over the decades, they’ve become known not just for the game, but for bringing people together. The team is made up of players from many different ancestries and backgrounds, each one carrying their own journey.

When the Tigers gathered here, it was to meet and play against other teams. To test their skills, build new connections, and be part of something bigger than sport alone. Just like the mobs who once travelled to meet and trade, these games are a way for people to come together through movement, respect, and shared purpose.

This artwork brings together old and new paths. The ancient gatherings are echoed today in how people still come together, whether through culture, community, or sport. The lines remain, strong and connected.”

Why This Matters

For Alfie, this project is more than a basketball jersey—it’s a symbol of resilience, pride, and cultural continuity. For The Torch, it’s another example of how art can open doors, shift perceptions, and create new opportunities for First Nations people who have faced incarceration.

The Tigers will wear these jerseys during First Nations Round and NAIDOC Week, turning each game into a celebration of culture, sport, and community.

How You Can Support

If Alfie’s story resonates with you, consider supporting The Torch’s work. By donating, purchasing artwork, or simply sharing stories like his, you help ensure that more First Nations artists can reclaim their narratives, strengthen their culture, and build brighter futures.