Basketball NSW has embarked on a landmark initiative with the introduction of its Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), aiming to create a more inclusive and equitable environment within the sport by empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities.
At the heart of Basketball NSW’s vision is the belief that basketball has the power to unite communities and unlock the potential of its participants.
The plan represents a significant milestone in the organisation’s reconciliation journey. It outlines a strategic roadmap to enhance cultural understanding, forge partnerships, and provide pathways for Indigenous participation at every level of the game.
Basketball NSW, CEO, Maria Nordstrom is pleased to share with the wider basketball family the progress and continuation of the work that the organisation has been doing in the ICALD space over the past few years.
“Our Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP), endorsed by Reconciliation Australia, is a conscious and active plan, focused on building a better understanding of First Nations People and cultures”, said Nordstrom.
“Only through understanding and respect can we move forward and through that actively provide opportunities and pathways at all levels of our sport. Our aim is for our RAP to integrate with our strategies and day-to-day operation including improved participation on committees and boards as well as our programs, competitions, leagues and high performance programs.”
“We understand this is a journey that requires ongoing commitment and we are taking the first steps on that journey now.”
Basketball NSW’s journey toward reconciliation began in 2019 with the initiation of community-based programs tailored specifically for Indigenous communities across the state. These programs, bolstered by support from the Office of Sport through the FIBA Women’s Basketball World Cup 2022 Legacy program, have enabled Basketball NSW to employ six dedicated staff members. These team members were tasked with administering, implementing, and leading the delivery of these community programs, all while actively engaging with key stakeholders to gain a deeper understanding of the challenges faced by those seeking to participate in basketball.
Additionally, Basketball NSW collaborates with Indigenous Basketball Australia (IBA). IBA provides BNSW with relevant cultural advice and strategic recommendations for Indigenous-focused community engagement opportunities. Both organisations work together to identify funding opportunities for events and programs that support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants.
Basketball NSW also collaborated with Campfire X and artist Jordan Ardler to create the artwork titled ‘The Land We Share.’ This artwork serves as a visual representation of the diverse landscapes and shorelines across NSW where basketball communities thrive. It not only celebrates the beauty of these lands but also acknowledges the ancestral connections that have paved the way for Indigenous athletes and members within the sport.
With guidance and support from the Reconciliation Working Group, Basketball NSW has also taken steps to acknowledge and honour the Traditional Owners of the Land on which basketball events and meetings take place. The development and creation of an Acknowledgement of Country video demonstrates a commitment to respecting and recognising the cultural heritage of Indigenous Peoples, while also expressing gratitude for the privilege of being able to gather and play basketball on their ancestral lands.
Basketball NSW was also awarded joint winner of the Sport NSW Inclusion Achievement Award for 2024 for the work the organisation has done as part of the Innovate Reconciliation Action Plan.
Through its Vision for Reconciliation, Basketball NSW commits to dismantling barriers faced by Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people while also honouring their invaluable contributions to basketball.
Outlined in the plan are four key focus areas:
- RELATIONSHIPS: Our organisational vision is to unite communities by enabling participants to realise their potential through every level of the game. By building relationships and engaging with Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander communities will help us develop meaningful initiatives allowing us to tackle barriers and provide inclusive activities.
- RESPECT: Respect is one of our organisational core values. We strive to value the differences and opinions of others. Allow others to express ideas, thoughts & contributions in order to achieve goals. Respect for the cultures, histories, knowledge and rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples will enable us to develop more inclusive programs and practices to remove barriers of entry and participation in our sport.
- OPPORTUNITIES: Our organisational purpose is to realise the potential of all of our participants, to strengthen our basketball community and make the sport accessible to all. To be able to realise the potential of our Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, we should provide accessible opportunities and mentorship to them.
- GOVERNANCE: To continue our organisation’s accountability and transparency through reporting RAP achievements, challenges and learnings both internally and externally.
The development of the Innovate RAP has been a collaborative effort and relies on the dedication and expertise of its committed staff and community members:
BNSW Staff:
Caroline McLuckie – Chief Financial Officer & HR Manager and Head of BNSW RAP
Darren Allie – Indigenous, Cultural and Linguistically Diverse Programs Manager (Gudjala)
Leaf Newman – Competitions Coordinator
Macsen Monk – High Performance Coach
Community Members Of Working Group To Date:
Matt Dunstan
Kristy Dallinger (Gamilaraay / Walgett)
Tiana Ross
BJ Duncan (Darkingjung)
Casey Armstrong – NSW Aboriginal Land Council
Highlights:
Basketball NSW is pleased to highlight a few significant milestones as examples that have been achieved since the inception of the Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP). These accomplishments signify tangible progress towards fostering reconciliation and promoting inclusivity within the organisation and the wider basketball community. Some notable action points that have been successfully delivered include:
Relationships:
- Identify areas of regional NSW where our ICALD programs can reach and be delivered in new communities; partnering with local community groups to run community programs such as Our Mob Our Game school holiday activations.
- Continue to incorporate year round the inclusion of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander artwork into our state team and staff uniforms.
- Encourage associations to collaborate and engage with their Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander leaders to understand and embrace the culture of their land and community, allowing an inclusive space for their members; and run community events such as NAIDOC 3×3 Gala days .
Respect:
- Showcase local Aboriginal artwork in Head Office.
- Engage local Elders to deliver Welcome to Country and smoking ceremonies at major BNSW events where possible; U18/U6 Metro v Country Jersey Presentation, NBL1 East Finals, Basketball NSW State Conference & Basketball NSW Hall of Fame.
- Include an Acknowledgement of Country or other appropriate protocols at the commencement of important meetings; video was created that features significant Indigenous landmarks and members of the community. CLICK HERE to view.
Opportunities:
- Use funds from our specified Partnerships royalties to help financially support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes participate in our High Performance Programs and meet costs of being involved in State Teams; Partnerships formed with Soul Sports to financially support 12 High Performance athletes in the NSW State Teams during 2024.
- Develop a formal mentoring program designed to support Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander athletes who are participating in our programs; development of a Indigenous Capacity Building program that serviced over 150 people.
- Review HR and recruitment procedures and policies to remove barriers to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participation in our workplace; BNSW Staff handbook acknowledges cultural sensitivities for all Indigenous staff members.
Governance:
- RAP Working Group formed and continually works with Basketball NSW on action points; see above RAP Members.
- Appointment of an internal RAP Champions from Senior Management; Geoff Tripp General Manager: Community Growth and Marketing; Caroline McLuckie, Chief Financial Officer, Human Resources Manager, and Head of BNSW RAP; and Darren Allie, Programs Manager: CaLD
- Publicly report on our RAP achievements, challenges and learnings annually; included in Basketball NSW Annual Report 2023 HERE
Basketball NSW aims to strengthen its relationships with Indigenous communities, celebrate cultural events such as National Reconciliation Week and NAIDOC Week, and promote positive race relations through anti-discrimination strategies. The organisation also pledges to increase employment opportunities and support for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander participants, both on and off the court.
By championing reconciliation and embracing diversity, Basketball NSW is poised to lead positive change within the sport and contribute to Australia’s broader reconciliation journey.
Through its Innovate RAP, the organisation reaffirms its commitment to creating a more inclusive and equitable future for all involved in basketball across NSW.
If you are interested in joining the Basketball NSW Reconciliation Action Plan Working Group, email Caroline McLuckie e: caroline.mcluckie@bnsw.com.au.