The Just Better Care Roller Hawks are pleased to unveil their inaugural indigenous jersey ahead of the Kevin Coombs Indigenous Round this weekend (3-5 July). 

The Roller Hawks have partnered with Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation and Aceit to deliver a jersey that showcases local indigenous talent and celebrates the 25 year history of the Roller Hawks.

“I’m thrilled to be able to have our team roll out in these jerseys this weekend at Indigenous Round,” said Roller Hawks Club President Geoff Adams.

“This is the second Indigenous Round for the league and the first time all the men’s teams will be playing at the one venue so to be representing the region and not only our history but local indigenous culture is very special.” 

The team’s first indigenous jersey pays tribute to the first jersey the Roller Hawks wore in the National Wheelchair Basketball League back in 2001 when the club adopted the jersey of the NBL side then known as the Wollongong Hawks.

The hawk is inspired by the original Hawks logo, reimagined with a First Nations perspective. The design incorporates traditional dot elements and the Aboriginal colours of red, black and yellow. In place of the banner from the original logo, a basketball has been introduced to represent the Roller Hawks. This element is rendered in teal to reflect the Hawks’ team colours.

The side panels feature three meeting place symbols, representing the three locations (Shellharbour, Berkeley and Wollongong) where the Roller Hawks train and play. 

The circular designs within these panels also reference the wheels of the sports wheelchairs used by the Roller Hawks, linking the cultural symbolism to the lived experience of the athletes.

The artwork was created by Aunty Lorraine Brown and Jessica Mook Brown. Aunty Lorraine Brown is a proud Yuin/Gunai Kurnai woman and a respected Elder and senior artist at Coomaditchie United Aboriginal Corporation. Her work is known for its vibrant colours and bold, flowing designs that reflect her deep connection to the stories, colours and knowledge of the East Coast Saltwater Peoples. These cultural elements are at the heart of her practice, shaping both the style and meaning of her art.

Jessica Mook Brown is a proud Dunghutti and Yuin woman and an emerging artist from the Coomaditchie community. From a young age, Jessica was encouraged to paint, learning by watching and working alongside her grandmother and other family members. Her artistic journey has been shaped by this close mentorship, as well as by the stories, values and creative traditions passed down through generations.

The jersey is also made possible thanks to the team at Aceit. Aceit has been the official apparel supplier of the Wollongong Roller Hawks since the club’s inception and Aceit was proud to supply these new uniforms as part of their ongoing support for the club.

“Aceit is proud to support the Wollongong Roller Hawks, a club that represents the very best of our community. We’ve stood beside the Roller Hawks for more than 20 years, and in that time we’ve seen firsthand the resilience, teamwork and spirit that define the club. Their commitment to making sport accessible for athletes of all abilities is something we deeply believe in,” said Aceit Managing Director, Gino Arcella.

“Giving back to local clubs like the Roller Hawks is at the heart of who we are. Community sport creates connection, confidence and opportunity, and we’re committed to ensuring athletes have the gear they need to perform at their best.”

2026 Kevin Coombs Indigenous Round

Kevin Coombs OAM was an Australian Paralympic wheelchair basketballer and athlete, the first Indigenous Australian to compete at either a Paralympic or Olympic Games. Coombs competed at five Paralympics from 1960 to 1984, was captain of the national team and later became a leading advocate for disability sport and Aboriginal health.

Wheelchair Basketball Australia in co-operation with Kevin Coomb’s family, honour his legacy at Indigenous Round. The NWBL’s six teams will descend on Narrandjeri Stadium, Victoria and begin the weekend with a reception on Friday night honouring WBA’s Indigenous Heritage, bringing together the community and celebrating the sport’s history.

On Saturday a Welcome to Country, Outdoor Smoking ceremony and special cultural performance by First Nations Song and Dance Group will take place along with three games: Perth Wheelcats vs Southern Districts Spartans, Victoria Marvels vs Manly Wheel Eagles and Wollongong Roller Hawks vs Red Dust Heelers.

On Sunday Wollongong Roller Hawks play Perth Wheelcats, Southern Districts Spartans play Manly Wheel Eagles and Red Dust Heelers play Victoria Marvels. All games will be streamed on Kayo Freebies.

SEASON DRAW FULL FIXTURES go to rollerhawks.com.au or wba.net.au 

ROUND 4 – KEVIN COOMBS INDIGENOUS ROUND

Narrandjeri Stadium, VIC

Saturday 4 July vs Red Dust Heelers 3:30pm – 5 on 5

Sunday 5 July vs Perth Wheelcats 10:00am – 5 on 5