On October 24, the Devonport Warriors Basketball Club broke their silence on the discussion surrounding their name and logo. In a statement posted to their Facebook page, the club acknowledged the concerns raised and apologised for any offence caused. Here’s an excerpt from their post:  

"Our name or our logo was in no way ever intended to be offensive or racist. To us, a warrior symbolises a person who shows or has shown great vigour, courage and strength.  

We sincerely apologise that our name and our logo has offended. This was certainly never our intention.  

Our silence regarding recent posts, is not us being ignorant. It is a matter of trying to gain as much information as possible so that we can understand, resolve and move forward."  

This is a significant development. By acknowledging the conversation, the Warriors have taken the first step toward addressing the concerns of cultural appropriation and moving towards a more inclusive representation.  

It’s also worth noting that on October 29, the new $60 million facility was officially greenlit. Additionally, on November 1, NBL and Tasmania JackJumpers owner Larry Kestelman announced that a Tasmanian-based WNBL team was a strong possibility in Devonport following his takeover of the women’s league. If realised, this would mean the Warriors’ logo and branding could again be televised on the national stage—further highlighting the importance of the club aligning with values of inclusivity and respect.

While the Warriors’ statement is promising, it makes it clear that any change will take time, effort, and resources. The journey toward meaningful change has just begun, and now is the time to continue advocating for cultural respect and inclusivity.

Let’s keep the momentum going! Please share the petition widely and continue to encourage the Devonport Warriors to engage in open dialogue with Indigenous voices like the Coalition of Natives and Allies (CNA). Together, we can ensure that this is not just a symbolic step, but a meaningful one.

Thank you for your ongoing support! This progress wouldn’t have been possible without your voices and signatures. Let’s keep pushing for positive change!