Community, culture and courts come together in Redfern

More than 100 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, families and community members gathered at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence in the Sydney suburb of Redfern yesterday for a basketball skills and drills camp honouring local talent Davo Hickey.

The event, delivered by the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Koorie Basketball Academy, aimed to connect young people with sport, culture and each other.

Key Points

Organisers said the one-day camp at NCIE brought together community, culture and courts in a focused push to inspire youth aged 5 to 17. The session combined elite-level instruction with grassroots engagement, offering a rare chance for young players to learn directly from current and former professionals.

According to the organisers, the camp’s design centred on creating a safe, culturally grounded environment while celebrating the achievements of Davo Hickey.

Nathan Moran, CEO of the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council, said the day was about far more than basketball.

“To see over 100 children, parents and elite players and coaches come together today is everything to us. You can’t fully capture it in words; you have to see it. The smiles on our young ones, our “Jarjums” , say it all,” he said.

Moran framed the camp as both a celebration and an investment, pointing to the importance of visibility, mentorship and culturally anchored activities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. He said the event’s impact could be seen in the energy of the participants and the commitment of families and coaches.

“Basketball is a huge part of our community,”

— Nathan Moran

Elite mentoring

The camp featured current and former professional players working alongside NBL champions and emerging talents. Among them was Jonah Bolden, whose presence added elite experience to the day’s schedule of drills and mentoring.

Organisers said this blend of professional insight and community-first programming created an uncommon opportunity for young participants. They were able to engage directly with high-level athletes, learn new skills and see pathways to future participation in the sport.

Basketball has been a cornerstone of the Redfern Aboriginal community for more than 50 years, organisers said. The camp builds on that legacy, aiming to reignite passion for the game and open doors for future generations.

“Basketball is a huge part of our community,” Mr. Moran said. “We’ve had players represent Australia, and we’re hopeful this will help regenerate that connection, to see the game flourish again and give our community every opportunity to be part of it.”

NCIE CEO Grant Cameron said the event reflects the organisation’s ongoing commitment to creating safe, empowering spaces where culture, community and opportunity come together.

“Days like this show the power of community-led programs grounded in culture and connection, and at NCIE, we are proud to create a space where our young people feel seen, supported and inspired not just in sport, but in life. When we invest in our children and bring community together, we are building strong foundations for future generations to thrive,” he said.

Investing in young people

Organisers framed the initiative as a response to inequality and an investment in long-term health and opportunity for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children. Moran underscored the imperative to support children now, noting that many communities face poverty and that early investment pays forward in community health and resilience.

“It’s critically important we support our young ones,” Mr. Moran said. “The reality is many of our communities face poverty. Investing in our children today means a stronger, healthier future in 10, 20 or 30 years. Healthy kids mean a healthy community.”

Partnerships and call to support

The event highlighted the importance of coordinated, community-driven partnerships. Held at NCIE, which organisers described as a central hub for Aboriginal community life in Redfern, the day was delivered in collaboration with the Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Koorie Basketball Academy, with acknowledgement of support from Tribal Warrior.

“NCIE is the heart of our community here in Redfern. Together with partners like the Koorie Basketball Academy and Tribal Warrior, we’re working to create opportunities that bring out the best in our people,” Mr Moran said.

The success of the program has highlighted the importance of partnerships and community- driven initiatives and the ongoing need for support.

“We welcome anyone corporate, government or community who wants to be part of this journey,” Mr. Moran said. “Reach out to NCIE, the Land Council or the Koorie Basketball Academy. We’re all here for our community, and with more support, we can do even more.”