Koorie Basketball Academy has delivered another successful community event, holding its Deadly Basketball Clinic and Cultural Workshop in Sunbury on Sunday.
More than 70 young people attended the clinic, which was held in partnership with Sunbury Aboriginal Co-production.
The day began with a Smoking Ceremony led by Mark Thomson, followed by a cultural session and basketball clinics for both boys and girls.
Gunai Kurnai man and Koorie Academy founder, Uncle Ricky Baldwin, said the event combined cultural learning and sport in a way that continues to bring community together.
"We had over 70 young mob come on the day," he said.
"We started the day with Mark Thomson doing a smoking ceremony, then our deadly basketball clinic and Tiddas clinic."
Uncle Ricky said cultural sessions and workshops were central to the program.
"Paul Kelly ran the cultural workshop with the young brother boys, and Natarsha Bamblett ran the Tiddas workshop," he said.
Uncle Ricky added the day was a reflection of what the Academy stands for - creating safe spaces for young people to connect, learn, and grow.
"It was a hugely successful day," he said.
Community members also shared their appreciation following the event.
One parent said it was special to see the involvement of young people and culture.
"Was a great day seeing all the kids and culture involved. I'm very blessed to have you, Jida and the men you bring into the program to teach my boys what I cannot within men's business, they said.
Another parent added their child "had the best time", thanking the organisers for the opportunity.
The event follows a busy year for Koorie Basketball Academy, which recently partnered with Melbourne United for the launch of the NBL Indigenous Round, where young participants shared culture through workshops and ceremony.
The Academy has a few events remaining on the calendar, with 2026 projected to equal this year's number as well as larger scale community events.
