We Create Studio partnering with Adelaide 36ers for Indigenous Round

The Adelaide 36ers will celebrate the club’s Indigenous Round this week when the Illawarra Hawks come to town, with the event hosted thanks to an Aboriginal owned and led local business.

As well as wearing a specially designed jersey for the game, players, coaches and club staff have come together to connect and learn more about First Nations culture, thanks to club partner We Create Studio, and its founder Pat Caruso.

Pat is a Proud Eastern Arrernte person whose family experienced the multigenerational impacts of the Stolen Generations. Born and raised on Kaurna Country, his journey to reconnect with his Eastern Arrernte heritage shaped his passion for sharing cultural knowledge, strengthening connections and creating opportunities for young First Nations people.

An artist and cultural consultant, Pat helped host a cultural awareness session this week, sharing insights into his personal experiences. The racism he endured growing up and the importance of cultural identity, connection and opportunity for future generations.

“I was constantly ridiculed because I was Aboriginal and I was different,” he explained.

“People who do that sort of stuff always seem to be cowards and don’t do it outwardly in front of people.

“It’s part of the reason I’ve come on board with the Adelaide 36ers, to try and make a difference to young people and to young Aboriginal people coming through, who see sport as a legitimate pathway.

“It’s not just about what they can do on the court. It’s leaning into the support networks that are around the players to know they can be part of the executive leadership team, the medical and support staff or be one of the coaches.

“It’s about giving these young people the opportunities and I love being part of their learning, their teaching and their growing.”

As part of the session, players and staff created message sticks, traditionally intended to convey messages across long distances but in this instance providing a way for individuals to share their stories and their hopes for the future.

We Create Studio brings cultural knowledge, strategic thinking and creativity together.

The organisation delivers brand strategy, graphic design, cultural artwork, print, signage, merchandise, photography, video, animation and digital campaigns, seeking meaningful outcomes through work that builds connections and strengthens belonging.

We Create Studio is the Major Partner of this week’s Indigenous Round, as well as being a foundation partner of the club’s not-for-profit community arm, the Shooting Hoops Foundation, and a supporting partner for the club’s Remembrance Round game next week against Melbourne United.

The studio is also a player sponsor for Development Player Deonte Williams, who shared part of his story at the club event.

Pat said he was pleased to celebrate culture and community with the Adelaide 36ers.

“The 36ers’ connection to grassroots basketball and the community is a big part of why this partnership means so much to us,” Pat Caruso said.

“Sport brings people together, creates belonging and gives young people something to aspire to.

“As an Aboriginal owned creative business, we’re proud to support the Indigenous Round and work alongside the club to celebrate culture and inspire the next generation.”

Adelaide 36ers Chief of External Relations & Community Strategy, Ross Wait, praised Mr Caruso’s passion.

“From the moment we met, I could sense Pat’s desire to help,” Mr Wait said.

“Having had his own lived experience of some of the barriers faced by young First Nations people, he is passionate about making a difference in the community and making things better for the next generation.

“We’re grateful to have someone with such enthusiasm and drive, and an organisation in We Create Studio that lives his values, backing our club and being part of our Indigenous Round this week.

“We’re looking forward to working together in the community through our Shooting Hoops Foundation going forward.”

As part of the Indigenous Round, We Create will be joining the celebrations with exclusive first-edition Adelaide 36ers player cards, available free to fans at the ORB while stocks last. Fans will also have the chance to enter a competition to win a signed Adelaide 36ers jersey.

Saturday’s Indigenous Round game is brought to you by We Create Studio and supporting partner BHP.

The game tips off at 5:00pm ACDT with limited tickets remaining.