The Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program will see a Cultural Awareness Training suite, prepared by Basketball Australia partner eTrainu and with support from the 2022 Women’s World Cup Legacy Funding from the Australian Government, rolled out to all levels of basketball in Australia.
It will be the first holistic program of its kind in Australian sport; and will provide fundamental training to all basketball staff and representatives across the country to amplify education and mirror the diversity of participants of the game.
“Basketball Australia’s commitment to creating a culturally safe and inclusive environment through this Diversity, Equity & Inclusion program is a crucial step forward for our sport,” said Paul Vandenbergh, Indigenous Lead – Basketball Australia.
“As Chair of Basketball Australia’s RAP Committee, Indigenous Lead and a former NBL player, I understand the importance of ensuring that every participant feels valued and respected. This initiative is more than just training - it’s about strengthening the voices and stories of our First Nations people and other culturally diverse communities that enrich the game of basketball.”
“It’s a significant opportunity for us to create deeper understanding and connection within our basketball community, ensuring that the sport reflects the diversity and vibrancy of our nation. ”
Insights from AusPlay data gathered by the Australian Sports Commission outlines the depth of diversity.
3.3% of all participants identify as Aboriginal & Torres Strait Islander and programs like the Centre of Excellence Indigenous program and other initiatives across the States & Territories have been developed to increase the support for players from First Nations communities.
Australia continues to see First Nations players emerge on the biggest stage from Patty Mills and Will 'Davo' Hickey for the Boomers, Ally Wilson for the 3x3 Gangurrus and there are many more in the past and will be in the future.
In addition to the representation of First Nations, the 2023 data set indicates that 21% of participants across the country speak a non-European language at home.
Some of these players have represented Australia on the biggest stage.
Australia currently has several multicultural athletes representing us on the international stage.
This includes Opals and Seattle Storm superstar Ezi Magbegor who made Australia home after migrating from Nigeria at the age of six, Duop Reath who got his start playing at community courts in Western Australia after migrating as a refugee from South Sudan and Gliders women's wheelchair team features Maryanne Latu, a Tongan-Australian Guard/Forward who has clocked up over 50 games in the green and gold.
Providing culturally safe and supported playing and working spaces will be an evolving process, but the foundations and roadmap are in place.
Executive General Manager of Member Relations & Game Development, David Simpson, is enthusiastic about the next steps but understands that development will come through measured progress.
“We are thankful that this training opportunity for our community was made possible with the support of the Australia Government as a legacy item from the 2022 Women’s World Cup," said David Simpson.
"We want to ensure the basketball workforce is sensitive to the diversity of our members and the wider basketball community; and demonstrate our commitment to ensuring that everyone is welcomed into basketball.”
Keep up to date with Basketball Australia’s work in the game development space here.
