Basketball
20 June, 2025
More than just a sport
Melbourne-based basketball organisation, Koorie Academy, paid a visit to Dimboola on Sunday, June 18, for the fourth time to allow young local First Nations people connect with their culture while bonding through basketball.
Koorie Academy CEO Uncle Ricky Baldwin, a proud Gunai Kurnai man, said the clinic went "really good".
"We had over 50 young local Koorie people register," he said.
"We weren't expecting to get that many."
The organisation partnered with Goolum Goolum who provided fresh Subway, water and fruit for lunch for attendees.
"We did some fun skills and drills, and awards were given out to the children too," Uncle Ricky said.
Clinic participants received a bag of goodies including a Koorie Academy jumper alongside some donated merchandise from the NBL.
"The kids were really respectful and polite which is something we teach and they need to learn," he said.
The program is currently funded by the State Government's Sports and Recreation fund, allowing Koorie Academy to offer it for free, easing financial barriers for disadvantaged communities.
Since the establishment of the not-for-profit organisation in 2019, Koorie Academy is a charity partner with Melbourne United NBL and work closely with Bunnings and Kmart for employment pathways for First Nations Youth.
The team have travelled around the country including regional Victoria, New South Wales, Queensland and Tasmania to not only assist with basketball skills but to help young people to connect to their culture and identity.
"It's more than a sport, it's teaching life skills," he said.
"It's about making a culturally safe environment for them to be proud of who they are and empowering their sense of belonging.
"It's important for the next generation to learn about their culture and language."
Through their partnership with Melbourne United, Uncle Ricky said 30 young people from Dimboola had the opportunity to showcase their basketball skills at John Cain Arena in Melbourne.
"They participated in a pre-game clinic and then did a game at half-time in front of 10,000 people," he said.
To get there, Uncle Ricky said they boarded a bus with police officers.
"This was to build relationships between the police and have the kids realise they're not all bad," he said.
On Thursday, June 12, Uncle Ricky was inducted into the Victorian Honour Roll for the work he has done with the Koorie Academy.
"That's something really special," he said.
"The work has a ripple effect and can change lives."
Uncle Ricky said he has helped 50 young First Nations people around Victoria receive a job opportunity at Bunnings.
Throughout his career, he was the head coach of the Australian Indigenous Women's team alongside many other basketball teams, including junior teams.
