By BACT Media Unit – 29 June 2023

As we head into NAIDOC Week for 2023, Basketball ACT has reflected on the continuing journey of healing, understanding and celebration of our sports connection to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander community in our region, and how far (and how much more) we have come.

AFL Sportsready – Basketball ACT continues to enjoy a very cooperative and cohesive relationship with AFL Sportsready, and the opportunity to support young Indigenous Australians, to gain a qualification and make the first step on their journey in the sports industry. Basketball ACT has had the privilege of employing the winner of the First Nations Trainee of the Year awards – back-to-back – with Lachlan Mayo (2021) and Elijah Duke (2022) at the annual AFL Sportsready Awards.

Launch of Basketball ACT’s Indigenous Game Development Program – a program designed to increase competence of on-court playing, and officiating skills, within one program. Each participant learns the rules of the game and how to referee, as well as enhancing their playing skills and game understanding. This program is delivered in partnership with Basketball ACT’s Development and Referees departments.

First Nation Sponsors and Partners – Basketball ACT has grown its network of First Nation sponsors across the association with EPC Solar, Willyama Services, Marrawuy Journeys and Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA) key partners and sponsors of our programs.

Annual NAIDOC Week activities – Basketball ACT continues to engage with the local community to present and support events and opportunities, that are culturally appropriate. From our annual Premier League Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony, to supporting indigenous performers, singers and artists, Basketball ACT has built on our NAIDOC celebrations to include activities in 2023 that support the understanding and celebration of our rich culture. Activities include:

  • Indigenous 3×3 Community Hustle and Walking Basketball Come & Try;
  • Warriors Annual Indigenous NAIDOC Tournament;
  • Sourcing local elders and performers for the Coles Express NBL1 East annual First Nations Round;

While Basketball ACT has come a long way, we know there is still a lot to do, and the next element is seeking members of our local community to be part of the development, direction and presentation of our Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) to join Basketball ACT’s RAP Committee.

Basketball ACT’s RAP Committee will assist the Basketball ACT Board, in laying the foundations for reconciliation and prepare for future RAP’s and reconciliation initiatives.

Potential nominees must have:

  • a knowledge and understanding of the priorities of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people in the ACT;
  • an interest and/or involvement in local and/or broader Aboriginal community affairs, advocacy and networks;
  • direct links to the local Aboriginal and/or Torres Strait Islander community and/or organisations, and
  • an ability and willingness to contribute to the strategic development of policy impacting Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples at a local government level.

You can nominate for Basketball ACT’s RAP Committee by completing the Expression of Interest (EOI) form, by clicking below:

BACT – RAP Committee – Nomination Form