Keep the fire burning: the Bennelong Foundation celebrates NAIDOC Week 2024 with Koorie Academy
This NAIDOC Week, a time to celebrate the history, culture, and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples, the Bennelong Foundation collaborated with Koorie Academy on a basketball clinic and cultural workshop for our friends and family.
Smiles lit up everyone's faces as basketball skills were tested on a chilly winter's morning on Wurundjeri Country, Naarm. Ricky Baldwin, CEO, Founder of Koorie Academy and Gunaikurnai elder, ran a clinic for the kids, and Jida Copper, a Koorie Academy coach and Yorta Yorta man, led the adults' session.
Baldwin was recently awarded the Male Elder of the Year by the Aboriginal Advancement League for his work teaching culture to young Aboriginal people and leveraging basketball as a vehicle for impact. The Foundation has watched Ricky go from strength to strength since first partnering with him in April 2023.
"It has been an honour to walk together with Rick and the Koorie Academy on their journey," explained Liem Nguyen, Grant Manager of the Bennelong Foundation. "Culture oozes out of Rick, and he is a staunch advocate for his people. I have learnt a lot from him."
The cultural workshop was eye-opening and immersive for all involved. Baldwin explained that crafting Aboriginal artifacts was a process of healing for him as he shared his family's history—coming from two generations of the Stolen Generation. Participants in the workshop donned possum cloaks, heard stories, and held artifacts like an emu caller, number 7 boomerang, and bundi sticks.
Elaine Donnelly, a member of the Bennelong Foundation Philanthropy and Community Engagement (P.A.C.E) Committee, said: "I absolutely loved the event. It was a great way to learn more about First Nations culture by actually taking part in something they do. I may even take up basketball if anyone will let me on their team!!"
Lunch was procured from social enterprise Meals with Impact. Co-Founder Nikki Blanch joined the event to explain her organisation's mission to build employment pathways for women with migrant and refugee backgrounds.
The Bennelong Foundation remains committed to supporting initiatives that foster cultural connection and community empowerment through community sport. We encourage all attendees to continue their learning journey of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture beyond NAIDOC Week.
Full photo gallery available below.
