Basketball Australia today launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP) on the traditional lands of the Gunai/Kurnai people.
Basketball Australia’s Indigenous Lead, Pauly Vandenbergh and CEO Matt Scriven, were joined by Aunty Michelle Dow (Gunai Kurnai), Kerry Williams (Gugu Yalanji, Tribalang Bunda) and Jacqui Dover (Kunja) to announce the progression to Innovate.
“Today marks the official launch of Basketball Australia’s Innovate RAP. We’re excited to have this opportunity as an organisation to make Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel safe,” said Vandenbergh.
“Basketball is a sport that unites communities; it’s played in remote areas and community centres across the country,"
“Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made an immense contribution to Australian basketball. From Michael Ah Matt in 1969 - players, coaches, and referees have paved the way for the next generation to come through.”
Matt Scriven acknowledged the contributions of Pauly Vandenbergh and Sammi Rioli, Indigenous Programs Manager, in leading this initiative.
“We’re very fortunate to have Pauly Vandenbergh in our organisation, who has led this RAP along with Sammi Rioli and the broader RAP working group,” said Scriven.
“Today we celebrate the work, the vision, and the heart that have gone into making this plan a reality. This plan outlines a roadmap for meaningful change for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches, and officials, ensuring they are supported, celebrated, and empowered in our community.
“Our journey does not end with this RAP launch today. It’s just the beginning, and we are committing ourselves to long-term action and accountability,” added Scriven.
The Australian Boomers are currently in Traralgon for a double-header of FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers. The playing group were represented and supported by assistant coach Kerry Williams on the same court where they played Indonesia the night before.
Kerry Williams spoke about his journey as a proud Aboriginal man and coach.
“Last year, we held our first National Indigenous Performance Camp (NIPC) in Canberra. This was one of the highlights of my coaching career. We got to see some of the best young Indigenous talent throughout Australia,” said Williams.
“That is a key part of the NIPC—trying to identify more coaches. One of our main goals is to build a stronger database of players and coaches, and this year we will hold it again, aiming to involve even more coaches.”
“We have so many great young, talented basketballers to continue that pathway and be involved,” added Williams.
Jacqui Dover was in attendance, representing the diversity of basketball roles and pathways.
Dover is an NBL and WNBL official and a prominent advocate for First Nations initiatives. The Kunja woman from Queensland designed the officials' uniform for the WNBL’s 2024/25 Indigenous Round and joined Kerry Williams as a mentor at last year’s inaugural NIPC.
Dover spoke about the importance of basketball as a connector.
“As a young basketballer growing up, we stay in the game because it helps shape us into the people we become,” said Dover.
“It teaches us values like teamwork, communication, and resilience. I think it’s all a part of what this great sport brings us as individuals to carry on through life, no matter the path we take.”
In closing, Pauly Vandenbergh delivered a powerful message.
“There’s a lot of language going around in Australia about division. But inclusion is not about division — it’s about coexistence. It’s about recognising that we don’t lose anything by embracing others,” said Vandenbergh.
“We gain understanding, respect, and strength. True unity isn’t about erasing differences but about honouring them, learning from them, and growing together,"
“Basketball is a game that connects people from all walks of life, and today, through this RAP, we commit to making our sport a place where every voice is valued, every culture is celebrated, and every person belongs.”
