26th June 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria has taken an important step towards creating greater opportunities for First Nations athletes, hosting its inaugural First Nations Pathways Camp at Red Energy Arena in Bendigo last weekend.
The camp brought together 48 talented First Nations athletes aged Under-14 to Under-18 from across Victoria, creating a dedicated opportunity for First Nations athletes to connect with Basketball Victoria's existing high-performance pathway.
Identified through the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) and Junior Country Championships (JCC), the athletes represented basketball communities from Surf Coast to Swan Hill and many regions in between, showcasing the depth of talent and the strong representation of First Nations basketball communities across Victoria.
More than just an on-court camp, the weekend was designed to support First Nations athletes as they take the next step in their basketball journey, bringing them together to develop their game, strengthen their connection to culture, build friendships and prepare for future high-performance opportunities.
The camp commenced with a Welcome to Country and Smoking Ceremony delivered by Uncle Jason from Djaara (Dja Dja Wurrung Clans Aboriginal Corporation), setting a meaningful tone for the weekend. Athletes and their families also participated in a cultural workshop hosted by the Corporation, giving athletes and their families the opportunity to learn, connect and celebrate culture together.
Basketball Victoria General Manager – Pathways, Dom Linossier said the inaugural camp represented an exciting milestone for the organisation and the future of First Nations basketball in Victoria.
"This camp is an important first step in creating stronger and more accessible opportunities for First Nations athletes within Basketball Victoria’s pathway. It was fantastic to bring together young athletes from right across the state and support them as they continue their high-performance journey.
"We were incredibly impressed by the talent, commitment and attitude shown throughout the weekend. The athletes embraced every opportunity, supported one another and embodied the six pillars of a Victorian high-performance athlete, which gives us great confidence in what the future holds,” Linossier said.
Basketball Victoria gratefully acknowledges the support of the Victorian and Federal Governments, with Hon. Maree Edwards MP, Member for Bendigo West, and Lisa Chesters MP, Federal Member for Bendigo, attending the camp in support of the initiative.
A sincere thanks to Djaara for their support and leadership, and to Bendigo Basketball Association and Red Energy Arena for hosting the camp.
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For Media Enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria
Media & Communications Specialist
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 851 266
