Indigenous Civil Group supports Koorie Academy Basketball with bus donation

Joseph Guenzler Published December 9, 2024 at 5.00pm (AWST)

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Ricky Baldwin, Phil Jackson and Koorie Academy participants pictured with the new bus. (Image: supplied)

Koorie Academy Basketball CEO Uncle Ricky Baldwin's call for support has been answered with the donation of a 12-seater bus.

The bus, donated by Indigenous Civil Group (ICG) managing director Phil Jackson, will enhance the Academy's ability to deliver its programs across Victoria and beyond.

Uncle Ricky, Gunai Kurnai man, emphasised the impact of the donation.

"The bus is a big game changer for us," he said.

"We can now transport our coaches, pick up kids, and carry all the stock we need for clinics in one vehicle.

"It's going to make a huge difference, especially as we prepare to go national in 2025."

*Participants at the recent Deadly Clinic on Wadawurrung Country. (Image: Supplied)*

The partnership was facilitated by a shared connection through Matty Stokes, who advocated for Koorie Academy Basketball's (KA) mission to inspire Indigenous youth through sport and culture.

After 12 months of planning and effort, ICG, a 100 per cent Indigenous-owned civil construction and rail business, donated the brand new Renault 12-seater bus.

Yorta Yorta man Phil Jackson reflected on the decision during the handover at a basketball clinic on Wadawurrung Country in Geelong.

"This bus is a small token of my support for what KA does for kids in the community," he said.

"Seeing the kids excited and having fun was all the thanks I needed."

*The new 12 seater bus featuring artwork by Katie Budgen. (Image: Supplied)*

The bus features a custom artwork by KA coach and Gomeroi artist Katie Bugden.

The design incorporates footprints symbolising the Academy's journey and its community, turtles representing the collaboration between KA and ICG, and the Yarra River as a nod to the Academy's Victorian roots.

The donation comes as KA continues to expand its impact.

The organisation has seen significant growth since its inception in 2019, including partnerships like a three-year agreement with First People's Health & Wellbeing and creating employment opportunities for more than 40 Indigenous youth through collaborations with businesses such as Bunnings.

"We've achieved so much, but there's still more to do," Uncle Ricky said.

"This support helps us reach more kids, especially in communities where they don't get enough engagement. We're grateful to Phil, ICG, and everyone who believes in what we're doing."

As KA prepares to head interstate in the coming years, the bus symbolises not only mobility but the collective belief in empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders through sport and culture.