The Koorie Academy 2026 NAIDOC Community Day polished off a massive NAIDOC week at Monash University, our east in Clayton. There was a huge clinic for the kids run by the incredible Koorie Academy crew, a big feed, incredible performances from Breanna Lee Wilson and the main event – Ngwala vs Koorie Academy on the hardwood!

It was a hard fought hoops battle and despite a valiant effort from our team in purple, Koorie Academy took home  win. Our own Simeon Fairburn scored best-on-ground and Rhiannon Ockwell shot lights out to win the three-point competition too.

This game further solidifies Ngwala Willumbong’s proud major sponsorship of The Koorie Academy over the next three years.

We’ve been genuinely blown away by the work of Ricky Baldwin’s Academy, and especially by the volunteers who show up, give their time, and support and guide our young people. That kind of commitment doesn’t go unnoticed. It’s powerful, and it matters.

For our young ones, getting involved in sport like basketball is so much more than just playing the game. It’s about connection, belonging, confidence, leadership, mentoring and having a safe space to grow. For our young ones, access to sport means stronger ties to community, healthier lifestyles, and real opportunities to thrive, both on and off the court.

Shout out to the Ngwala team of De-Joel Upkett, Simeon Fairburn, Timanus Fairburn, Shekinah Upkett, Motu Ese, Rhiannon Ockwell, David Edgley and incredible last-minute fill-ins from Tegan McHamilton and Breanna Lee Wilson (who thought she was just going to sing on the day). Congrats on the buckets and for not sustaining any injuries.