Wildcats Multicultural Stories | Junior Viranatuleo

The Perth Wildcats’ Multicultural Game returns to RAC Arena this Friday, 23 October, when Perth hosts Melbourne United for a night celebrating heritage, identity and community.

Well known across the league and the wider basketball community for his work with the Australian Boomers and now as the Wildcats’ Team Operations and Logistics Manager, Junior Viranatuleo brings a strong sense of culture, family and care to everything he does.

Born in Fiji to a father from Vanuatu and a Fijian mother, he shares how his heritage shapes his approach to looking after players and staff.

“I pride in being able to serve and bless others,” he said.

“If you’ve been to the islands, the people make you love and enjoy your time spent there.”

Junior brings that hospitality into his work, helping create an environment that is enjoyable for the players while maintaining the standards of an elite team. His approach comes from lessons passed down by his father.

“My dad’s my hero,” he said.

“The service and standard that I bring … it literally comes from my culture and what my dad has taught me.”

Now a father himself, Junior is sharing those traditions with his four-year-old son and eight-year-old daughter. Visits to Fiji have allowed them to experience family welcoming ceremonies and learn about their backgrounds.

“Knowing that my son and my daughter are able to represent Australia, but then also to understand their background is Fijian and Vanuatu … I think that’s very important,” he said.

Family has also been central to his more than 18 years with the Boomers, where he has watched players become parents and his own children grow up around the program.

That connection continues with the Wildcats, where he values the different cultures within the team and the opportunity to represent both the club and his family.

“When you wear the Wildcats top, you’re representing the state of WA and this city,” he said.

“But then you also get to represent your identity and your family.”

Watch the full video above to hear Junior share his story ahead of Friday’s Multicultural Game against Melbourne United.

The Red Army can celebrate the occasion with their own Multicultural tee from the CatsGear store, featuring colourful illustrations of cultural icons from around the world.