Phoenix Celebrate Indigenous Round in Gippsland

South East Melbourne Phoenix will travel to Traralgon, Gippsland, this Sunday for their Indigenous Round game against the Sydney Kings.

Last month Phoenix travelled around the community of Gippsland in the Latrobe City Council, visiting eight schools in the area. Across the day, players interacted and ran clinics for the kids to connect with the community and youth in the area.

“It was amazing to get out and have some fun. This is the Heartland of basketball for us, this is what is most important. To be out here means everything to us, it’s why we play basketball to give back to the community and try to bring a bit of that love and enjoyment of the game out to them and hopefully inspire to do something in their life towards basketball,” said co-captain Mitch Creek.

“To see how excited the kids were to see everybody and there was some Phoenix jerseys floating around as well which is amazing to see the support. Then also a chance for us to inspire that next generation out here is important,” said co-captain Kyle Adnam.

(Phoenix players travelled around the community of Gippsland bringing basketball clinics to eight schools last month.)

Phoenix will don their incredible Indigenous jerseys on Sunday for their home Indigenous Round game. Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman Shelley Ware designed Phoenix's jerseys with her focus being the core value of the organisation, community.

Federation University will be the presenting partner for the game. They joined the Phoenix as a partner at the start of the season. Latrobe City Council and the Victorian Government will also support the event on Sunday.

Fans will be treated to a Phoenix favourite for Indigenous Round, who recently appeared on Australia's Got Talent, Wemba-Wemba teenager Breanna Lee. This will be Lee's third season performing at a Phoenix Indigenous game, and she is honoured to do so again for the special round.

"I have had the privilege to perform for the team before. I am very excited to be coming back to perform because I love to represent my culture and make my people proud," Lee commented.

Lee was part of Australia's Got Talent this year, where she received a golden buzzer during her audition, taking her to the semi-finals.

(Wemba-Wemba teenager, Breanna Lee will perform for at Phoenix's Indigenous Round for the third season in a row.)

"The experience was an amazing way to help push my confidence in my performances, giving me exposure and experience. Sharing the stage with other very talented performers created an environment in which I was able to work harder at my craft, reaching for new heights, and ultimately feeling very accomplished," she said during her time on the show.

Lee will perform a cover of Indigenous group Yothu Yinidi's version of the Goanna classic Solid Rock before returning to perform the Australian anthem in Indigenous language.

"It is a great way to allow Indigenous people to feel comfortable and heard. Our story is not fully told or known yet, but to have clubs such as South East Melbourne Phoenix hosting Indigenous Rounds and putting First Nations talent at the forefront, is an incredible step forward. It's something everybody can enjoy!" Lee commented on the importance of recognising and educating people on Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture.

The Welcome to Country will be performed by Gippsland Elder Uncle Lloyd, where a Didgeridoo and Aboriginal sticks will accompany him.

The Maffra Basketball First Nation People will play a five-on-five game at half-time.

(Phoenix will wear their Indigenous jerseys designed by Yankunytjatjara and Wirangu woman Shelley Ware.)

Phoenix's game in Gippsland is not to be missed by any Phoenix or basketball fan. Very limited tickets remain for this Sunday's game against the Kings at GRISS. CLICK HERE to secure your seat.

Phoenix Media (16/12/22)