Basketball Australia Launches next RAP Plan Phase

Basketball Australia has launched its second Reconciliation Action Plan on the traditional lands of the Gunai/Kurnai people.

The plan, titled Innovate, seeks to strengthen opportunities for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander players, coaches, officials, and communities.

Wirangu man and Basketball Australia's Indigenous Lead, Pauly Vandenbergh, and CEO, Mr Matt Scriven, led the launch with the support of Aunty Michelle Dow (Gunai Kurnai), Mr Kerry Williams (Gugu Yalanji, Tribalang Bunda), and Ms Jacqui Dover (Kunja).

After outlining its purpose, Mr Vandenbergh said Basketball Australia was excited to launch its new Reconciliation Action Plan (RAP).

"We're excited to have this opportunity as an organisation to make Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people feel safe," he said.

"Basketball is a sport that unites communities; it's played in remote areas and community centres across the country."

In announcing the new RAP, Mr Vandenbergh acknowledged past contributions to the sport.

"Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people have made an immense contribution to Australian basketball," he said.

"From Michael Ah Matt in 1969 – players, coaches, and referees have paved the way for the next generation to come through."

Mr Scriven credited Mr Vandenbergh and Ms Sammi Rioli, Indigenous Programs Manager, for their leadership of the 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 Mr Scriven.

"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."

The Australian Boomers were in Traralgon for a FIBA Asia Cup 2025 Qualifiers double-header, with the team's assistant coach, Mr Williams, representing the playing group on the same court where they had played Indonesia the previous night.

Mr Williams reflected on his path as a proud Aboriginal coach.

"Last year, we held our first National Indigenous Performance Camp (NIPC) in Canberra," Mr Wililams said.

"This was one of the highlights of my coaching career. We got to see some of the best young Indigenous talent throughout Australia."

Ms Dover, an NBL and WNBL official who designed the officials' uniform for the WNBL's 2024/25 Indigenous Round, also attended as a mentor from the inaugural NIPC.

She highlighted basketball's role in shaping character.

"As a young basketballer growing up, we stay in the game because it helps shape us into the people we become," Ms Dover said.

"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."

Mr Vandenbergh closed the launch with a unifying message.

"There's a lot of language going around in Australia about division. But inclusion is not about division — it's about coexistence," he said.

"It's about recognising that we don't lose anything by embracing others.

"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." Story credit: National Indigenous Times