Having NBL champion Will Hickey and more elite basketball figures in the heart of Redfern wasn't just about building skills, it was strengthening the pathways for wellbeing, community connection and the next generations.
Over 100 First Nations kids, families and community members were at the National Centre of Indigenous Excellence for a skills and drills camp delivered by Sydney's Metropolitan Local Aboriginal Land Council and the Koorie Basketball Academy on Tuesday.
Current and former pros were in the building sharing their tips and tricks on the court, engaging in two local heartbeats.
Basketball is a "huge part of our community", much like the NCIE, Metropolitan LALC chief executive Nathan Moran said.
"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," Mr Moran said.
The camp was organised for five to 17-year-olds to take part.
"Basketball is a huge part of our community," he added. "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."
Koorie Basketball Academy founder Ricky Baldwin said 'Davo' Hickey's eyes lit up as much as the kids' when he walked into the NCIE on the day.
The pair share a long coaching-mentor-player relationship stretching back years.
Koorie Academy had 10 coaches there, including former NBA player and Hickey's Illawarra Hawks teammate Jonah Bolden, to spend time with families they were told travelled from hours outside of Sydney — from Newcastle to Wilcannia.
"He was in his element...he grew up in Redfern," Mr Balwin said of Mr Hickey, adding he was moved by the basketball star's impact in his own backyard.
The camp was "far bigger than basketball" Mr Baldwin said, a view shared by Mr Moran and NCIE chief executive Grant Cameron.
For over 15 years the centre has been a meeting place for local community, and housed a long list of youth programs alongside facilities for sports and wellbeing.
Mr Grant said safe spaces, empowering culture and community are central to their commitment.
"Days like today 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."
It's "critically important we support our young ones", Mr Moran said, saying investing in the kids today makes a stronger, healthier future.
"NCIE is the heart of our community here in Redfern," he added. "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."
A call has been put out for support to continue this initiative.
