Wildcats launch NBL27 Indigenous uniforms

The Perth Wildcats are proud to introduce their NBL27 Indigenous Round uniforms, designed by Noongar artist and Wildcats supporter Bailey Wallam of The Westside Project.

The Wildcats will proudly wear the uniforms when they host the Illawarra Hawks at RAC Arena on Saturday 31 October as part of the NBL's Indigenous Round.

Growing up in Perth on Whadjuk Noongar Country, Wallam developed his passion for Aboriginal art through his family, drawing inspiration from his grandmother and the artwork that surrounded him from a young age.

The design brings together a series of cultural symbols representing community, connection, journey and the importance of Country, with each element carrying its own meaning through Aboriginal art and storytelling.

At the centre of the jersey are circles surrounded by arches, representing the communities brought together by the Wildcats, while connecting circles and lines acknowledge the Noongar communities of the South West.

The artwork features patterns representing the body of the Wagyl and its importance to Noongar people.

"When I started the design, I had a number of ideas and elements I wanted to represent," Wallam said.

"One of those was community, represented by rings surrounded by arches. They're a central part of the design and run straight down the middle of the jersey."

Patterns representing tree limbs also feature throughout the artwork, highlighting the importance of wood in traditional Noongar life and its use in creating tools for survival.

Flowing lines represent the waters around Perth, which have provided sustenance to Noongar communities for thousands of years.

Footprints running throughout the design and along the side panels symbolise the Wildcats' journey to becoming the most successful club in the NBL, while acknowledging the generations of players who have contributed to the club's history.

"The footprints run throughout the design and along the side panels to represent journey," he said.

"They symbolise the Wildcats who have come and gone, and those who will be part of the club in the future.

"I like the idea of the club creating its own journey, and that's what I wanted to capture in the design."

Wallam's own journey as an artist began at his grandmother's house, where painting and drawing were a regular part of growing up.

Surrounded by Aboriginal artwork and family members who shared a passion for creativity, he developed an early connection to art that eventually led to opportunities working with professional athletes, including creating custom basketball shoes.

What began as a hobby gradually developed into something more, opening doors to new collaborations and creative projects.

Designing this year's Indigenous Round uniform marks a significant milestone in Wallam's artistic journey, bringing his artwork to life on one of Australian basketball's biggest stages.

It also holds special meaning for Wallam and his family, as he continues to share the cultural traditions and knowledge that shaped his own upbringing with his children.

Through language, artwork and storytelling, Wallam hopes to pass on the importance of culture and connection to the next generation.

"It's something I do every day, teaching them words and the meaning behind these symbols, so it's another great way for them to learn about their culture," he said.

The experience has also brought Wallam's connection to the Wildcats full circle, having witnessed the atmosphere of championship basketball firsthand as a teenager.

"I remember going to a finals game as a teenager with my brother and cousin, and it was the loudest thing I've ever experienced," Wallam said.

"To this day, I've never been to anything that loud. When we won, my ears were ringing.

"I remember watching the guys win from all the way up in the stands, and now I've had experiences sitting courtside. It's surreal."

The NBL27 Indigenous Round uniforms will be available online at catsgear.com.au from Wednesday 28 October, while stocks last.

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