The Top End felt a powerful lift in spirit when Anthony Mundine III and Rahim "CJ" Mundine arrived in Darwin to work with young people through Hoops 4 Health recently.
Their visit came at a time when many young people across the Northern Territory continue to face significant pressures, and the presence of two strong Aboriginal role models delivered hope that was timely.
Across the Top End, young people are navigating complex challenges. Many Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth are living with the impacts of intergenerational trauma, limited housing stability, school disengagement, substance misuse and contact with the justice system. These pressures are ongoing and they affect families, communities and service providers. Young people need structure, support, cultural connection and role models who reflect their identity. They need people who believe in them, and who show them that their future can be stronger than the circumstances they face today.
This is why the Hoops 4 Health model continues to play a critical role in the Territory.
During their visit, the Mundine brothers brought heart, discipline and cultural pride to every session. Their family connection to Hoops 4 Health added to the significance of the visit, with their father, former three time World Champion boxer Anthony Mundine, being one of the early members of the movement. His sons were now carrying that legacy forward.
Hoops 4 Health Founder Timmy Duggan said the presence of the brothers created a powerful moment for young people in Darwin.
"To have two proud Aboriginal brothers, who live clean, disciplined lives and compete at the highest levels of their sports, come to Darwin to share their time and knowledge is hugely impactful. Our young people see themselves in Anthony and Rahim - they see that with hard work, culture, respect and the right support, they too can reach their potential," Mr Duggan said.
Throughout their coaching sessions in the U25 Program, the Gloves of Hope boxing initiative and the Hoops 4 Health Academy, the brothers spoke openly and honestly with young people. They taught more than basketball and boxing. They offered lessons about self-belief, discipline, resilience, healthy choices and cultural strength.
Anthony Mundine III said he felt honoured to return to a space that had shaped his own family. His reflection summed up the heart of the visit.
"Hoops 4 Health has always been about more than just basketball. It's about giving our mob tools for life, confidence, discipline, and belief. Coming up here to Darwin, seeing the talent and the spirit of the young ones, and being able to give back the way my dad did, means a lot to me," he said.
Rahim "CJ" Mundine shared a message that resonated deeply with the young people who trained with him. He spoke about identity, responsibility and daily choices.
"We want the kids to see that you can chase big dreams and still stay true to who you are. Being clean living, looking after your body and mind, respecting your culture and your community, that's strength," CJ said.
"Through boxing, rugby league and now mentoring, I've learned that the real fight is about making good decisions every day. That's what we want to pass on to the next generation in Darwin."
Hoops 4 Health continues to nurture this change across the Top End. Through sport, culture and mentoring, the organisation is creating safe environments where young people find belonging, confidence and hope.
