Basketball NSW celebrated NAIDOC Week 2026 with a series of 3×3 Gala Days across regional New South Wales, bringing communities together through basketball, culture and connection.
Held across Wagga Wagga, Griffith, West Wyalong, Armidale, Coffs Harbour and Ballina, the events embraced this year’s NAIDOC Week theme, “50 Years of Deadly”, while providing free and inclusive opportunities for people of all ages to get involved.
Across the six events, more than 1000 participants took part in Basketball NSW’s NAIDOC Week celebrations. The increase highlights the continued growth of the program and the strong support shown by communities across regional New South Wales.
Each Gala Day had its own unique feel, reflecting the communities that hosted them. Wagga Wagga once again delivered the largest event, with a full day of basketball, cultural performances and family activities, while Griffith and West Wyalong successfully hosted their inaugural events, highlighting the growing appetite for basketball across regional New South Wales. Armidale and Coffs Harbour also welcomed strong participation, with local cultural leaders, community organisations and volunteers helping create welcoming and memorable experiences for everyone involved.
While basketball remained at the centre of each event, the Gala Days were about much more than what happened on the court. They provided an opportunity for Indigenous and non-Indigenous communities to come together, celebrate culture, strengthen connections and introduce new participants to the game in a welcoming and inclusive environment.
Basketball NSW extends its sincere thanks to the local basketball associations across the Riverina, Northern Inland and North Coast regions, whose ongoing support and delivery of these events continues to make them possible. The commitment of association volunteers, referees, coaches, officials and stadium staff ensured each Gala Day was a welcoming and enjoyable experience for participants and their families.
A special thank you is also extended to the local First Nations Elders, community leaders and organisations who shared their culture and helped create meaningful experiences through Welcome to Country ceremonies, smoking ceremonies, cultural performances and community activities. Their contribution was central to the success of each event and to the spirit of NAIDOC Week.
Basketball NSW also acknowledges the support of the many councils, community groups, local businesses and event partners who contributed to the Gala Days. In particular, Riverina Water, Inland Rail, Griffith City Council, the Cockatoo Initiative, Evolution Mining, HumeLink, Local Land Services, Wagga Wagga First Aid & Training and Southern Sports Academy for their support in helping deliver these celebrations.