Illawarra Hawks NBL indigenous round jersey features the fire of the Flame Tree

The Flame Tree's blazing red blooms burst out of our countryside to the point Cold Chisel once famously sang they "blind the weary driver".

For hundreds of years before that the Flame Tree has also held a special place in the heart of indigenous Australians. Now the Flame Tree adorns the spectacular jersey which will be worn by the Illawarra Hawks this weekend as part of the National Basketball League's indigenous round.

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Local indigenous artist Samantha Hill has designed the striking jersey which features a Flame Tree in full bloom on the front in a blaze of red, orange and yellow. One of the integral features is the prominent roots of the tree.

The side panels of the jersey have been designed by another local artist Harry Pitt, who has designed a previous Hawks indigenous jerseys.

"The reds, yellows and oranges used on the jersey capture the magnificent burst of colour these trees possess when in full bloom, which in turn represent our vibrant Indigenous history," the artists said in a joint statement.

"The depth and length of the roots burying into the land highlights the Illawarra region's long and proud Indigenous heritage. The blue side panels represent the enduring need to press on.

"For the sea that borders our region is vast with many unruly storms, but through perseverance, the path can be laid before us by reflecting on where we've come from."

The Hawks will wear the jerseys against Cairns Taipans on Sunday afternoon at the WEC from 3 pm.

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