Koorie Academy marked NAIDOC Week with an outback basketball tour, a cultural showcase and a Community Day which brought together more than 100 young people in Naarm (Melbourne).
The Naarm-based not-for-profit organisation celebrated the 2026 theme, 50 Years of Deadly, through activities focused on culture, community connection and opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth.
The theme commemorated five decades of Indigenous strength, resilience and cultural celebration.
Founded by Gunai Kurnai man Uncle Ricky Baldwin, Koorie Academy uses basketball and cultural programs to support First Nations children, young people and their families.
Uncle Ricky described the tour as one of the academy's most significant programs with young people.
"This tour is about more than just basketball; it's about connection, culture, and celebrating 50 years of NAIDOC Week," he said.
"It is one of the most impactful tours we have done working with all the young mob."
The academy began its celebrations with its 2026 Outback Tour through regional and remote communities in New South Wales.
The tour visited Ivanhoe, Wilcannia, Menindee and Dareton, where the academy held basketball clinics and connected with local young people.
The program was designed to promote skill development, teamwork, cultural identity and community connection while celebrating five decades of NAIDOC Week.
The regional tour was followed by a Community Day in Naarm, held in partnership with Ngwala Willumbong.
A total of 106 young people took part in the Skills N Drills clinic, which focused on basketball development, participation, teamwork and cultural pride.
The day also featured an Allstar Game between the Koorie Academy Allstars and Team Ngwala.
The Koorie Academy Allstars secured a decisive victory in a match that concluded the academy's NAIDOC Week basketball program.
The event brought together community members, Elders and young people for cultural exchange, sport and celebration.
It also showcased young Indigenous athletes and reinforced the academy's commitment to providing culturally safe basketball programs.
Uncle Ricky reflected on the result and the wider importance of bringing the community together.
"We are incredibly proud to celebrate '50 Years of Deadly' NAIDOC Week with our community," he said.
"Our victory against Team Ngwala was a fantastic moment, but the true win was seeing our community come together, celebrate our culture, and inspire the next generation through basketball."
The academy also hosted a Cultural Showcase on Sunday as part of its NAIDOC Week celebrations.
The event focused on Aboriginal culture, connection and community through traditional ceremony, dance and music.
Aunty Caroline Briggs-Martin opened the showcase with a Welcome to Country before the basketball court became a performance space.
Nunkeri Tiddas, DJARLO and BREANNALEE performed during the event.
The academy presented the event as an opportunity for community members to experience Aboriginal traditions and recognise the artistic talent of established and emerging performers.
The showcase also reflected the organisation's broader work bringing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander children, young people and families together through cultural workshops and sport.
Across the regional tour and the Naarm events, the academy used basketball and performance to create opportunities for young people to participate, build skills and connect with culture.
The program finished with the Community Day, Skills N Drills clinic and Allstar Game, bringing the academy's 50 Years of Deadly celebrations to a close.
