Charles Darwin University is teaming up with Hoops 4 Health, a prominent Northern Territory organisation focused on empowering Indigenous youth and communities through basketball.
During NAIDOC Week, Charles Darwin University (CDU) First Nations Leadership and the Men@CDU program will collaborate with Hoops 4 Health to engage staff and students at the Casuarina Campus in basketball activities and educational sessions about Indigenous culture.
Yuin/Wandandian man and CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor of First Nations Leadership, Professor Reuben Bolt, highlighted the theme of this year's NAIDOC Week, Keep the Fire Burning! Blak, Loud and Proud, as an occasion to celebrate the resilience of First Nations culture.
"NAIDOC Week honours our First Nations communities and celebrates the strength and connection we have with Country, each other and our community, and provides a chance for everyone to learn more about our culture," Professor Bolt said.
"At CDU we are proud to host and attend a number of NAIDOC Week activities and engage with the community to promote a greater acceptance and understanding of First Nations culture and encourage change.
"I am excited to partner with Hoops 4 Health and learn more about the important work they do within the community and the change they are bringing about."
Hoops 4 Health, with more than two decades of operation, conducts weekly programs across various Northern Territory locations, including the Don Dale Youth Detention Centre, rehabilitation facilities and adult prisons in Alice Springs and Darwin.
These programs, designed by Indigenous mentors and coaches, utilise scientific principles and contemporary methods to support the mental development of Indigenous youth.
Warramungu/Nykinya man and founder, Timmy Duggan said sport plays a crucial role in fostering positive transformation.
"At Hoops 4 Health, we believe in the power of sport as a healing and transformative tool," Mr Duggan said.
"Through basketball and other sports, we create a supportive environment where participants can build resilience, develop a sense of belonging, and find strength in their journey towards healing.
"Our programs are more than just about playing a game; they are about creating a community that fosters growth, well-being, and a positive future."
CDU Deputy Vice-Chancellor Research and Innovation and Men@CDU Executive Sponsor, Professor Steve Rogers said the Hoops 4 Health initiative is well aligned with the work Men@CDU is doing.
"Men@CDU is all about providing a safe space for the community to get together and help each other to improve overall health and well-being, and that is exactly what Hoops 4 Health does, so this is a fantastic partnership," Professor Rogers said.
To celebrate NAIDOC Week, CDU's Casuarina Campus held a BBQ after the Hoops 4 Health event which will take place on 10 July.
On 9 July, First Nations Leadership held an open house event at the Casuarina Campus, where the CDU First Nations Workforce Plan was launched.
Staff and students had the opportunity to learn about support programs for students and view a newly curated collection of artworks by Indigenous artists.
CDU's Katherine campus purchased 20 NAIDOC Katherine ball tickets for community members who couldn't afford to attend.
Throughout the week, staff and students on all campuses are encouraged to participate in planned community marches and activities.
