Illawarra Hawks 26/27 Indigenous Jersey - Will Hickey

Artist: Aunty Trish Levett (Kalawatawarra) – Holder of Knowledge

Gundungurra Artist | Cultural Educator | Author | Illustrator

Aunty Trish Levett, traditionally known as Kalawatawarra (Dragonfly), is a proud Gundungurra woman from the Southern Highlands of New South Wales, with deep ancestral connections to the mountains, rivers, and landscapes of Gundungurra Country around Mittagong.Born and raised on her traditional Ngurra (Country) and now residing on Dharawal Country, Aunty Trish draws inspiration from the stories, waterways, sacred places, and cultural knowledge passed down through generations.
With more than 35 years of artistic practice, Aunty Trish is dedicated to preserving, sharing, and celebrating Gundungurra Dreaming stories and cultural knowledge. Her work encompasses painting, illustration, cultural education, dance, language revitalisation, and caring for Country, particularly the protection and preservation of sacred sites.
Working across a range of mediums, she has a special affinity for creating with traditional ochres gifted by Mother Earth, connecting her artwork directly to Country and culture.
Aunty Trish recently became a Director of the Gundungurra Foundation, further strengthening her commitment to supporting community healing, cultural education, and the continuation of traditional practices for future generations. A highly respected artist and cultural knowledge holder, Aunty Trish has exhibited extensively throughout New South Wales, including at Parliament House in Sydney, where she received a Highly Commended Award for her artistic excellence. Her artworks are held in private and public collections both nationally and internationally, and she has created significant cultural designs, logos, and commissioned artworks for a wide range of organisations.
Aunty Trish is also widely recognised for her ongoing cultural design work with the Illawarra Hawks, contributing artwork for the NBL Indigenous Round over several years and designing the Australian Indigenous NBL jersey. Through these collaborations, she brings Gundungurra stories and cultural perspectives to broader audiences across Australia.
As an author and illustrator, Aunty Trish created Magurrung, a children's book that tells the story of the endangered crayfish found on Gundungurra Country. The book is now used as an educational resource in local schools, supporting cultural learning, environmental awareness, and the sharing of First Nations knowledge with younger generations. Through every aspect of her work, Aunty Trish continues to honour the teachings of her Ancestors, carrying forward a message of respect, responsibility, and connection to Country: Walk gently on Mother Earth and care for her, for she provides everything we need to survive. Her practice reflects a lifelong commitment to culture, community, and the preservation of Gundungurra knowledge for future generations.

Jersey Design:

Connection to Country

This artwork, Connection to Country, reflects the relationship between, Country, culture, and ancestral knowledge.

At the centre of the painting are the double U-shapes, representing Holders of Knowledge (Elders) gathered at a sacred ceremonial site. These figures symbolise the passing of cultural knowledge, storytelling, spiritual connection, and the continuation of our traditions that have sustained our people for countless generations.

The four circles positioned throughout the background represent the four cardinal directions—North, South, East, and West. They acknowledge the interconnectedness of all lands and peoples and remind us that cultural knowledge extends across Country, connecting communities through shared histories, responsibilities, and kinship. The ochre-coloured landscape reflects the rich natural pigments found on mother earth. Ochres are among the oldest known pigments used and hold deep cultural, spiritual, and ceremonial significance for our peoples. For thousands of years, ochres have been used in rock art, body adornment, ceremonies, and cultural practices. Each colour carries its own meaning and connection to Country, identity, and spirituality.

Flowing across the artwork are the blue wavy lines, representing rivers and waterways that sustain life and connect communities across mother earth. The circles within the river symbolise sacred waterholes places of gathering, healing, teaching, and spiritual significance. Water is central to life and has always played an important role in the movement, survival, and cultural practices of our people. Beneath the river lies the earth and mud, representing the healing gifts provided by Country. For thousands of years, our people have recognised the therapeutic properties of natural clay and mud. Traditionally, mud has been used to support physical wellbeing, assist with inflammation and joint pain, cleanse and rejuvenate the skin, and promote a sense of balance and connection. Connection to Country celebrates the wisdom of Holders of knowledge (Elders), the sacredness of water, the healing qualities of the land, and the unbroken cultural connections that continue to guide and strengthen our people today.

Champion brings its signature quality to the court with the . Engineered for elite performance, this jersey is built to match the intensity of the game. Constructed from premium 220GSM fabric, it delivers durability and comfort whether you're hitting the hardwood or showing your support from the stands. Featuring team wordmarks, player names and numbers in premium fabric appliqués, sublimated NBL and Optus logos, and authentic detailing throughout, this jersey is designed to help you represent your team with pride.

- 220GSM fabric
- Sublimated NBL and Optus logos
- Team wordmarks, player names and numbers made of fabric appliques
- Arm and neck bands made of fabric ribbing
- Champion branded woven jock tag
- Side panel with split at front
- Fits true to size, size up for a looser fit