14th May 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge

Basketball Victoria has partnered with VicHealth to deliver the Set The Standard campaign, a statewide initiative aimed at preventing and reducing racism in community sport through culturally safe and inclusive environments.

Backed by VicHealth through the Shifting the Playbook initiative – a three year investment supporting six Victorian sports to create more culturally safe and inclusive club environments. The Set The Standard campaign equips coaches, club leaders and administrators with practical tools and training to help create welcoming sporting environments where everyone feels safe, respected and supported.

As one of the fastest growing and most culturally diverse sports in Victoria, Basketball Victoria says the initiative is both timely and essential.

Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said while basketball’s diversity is one of the game’s greatest strengths, the sport also has a responsibility to lead.

“Racism exists in community sport and at Basketball Victoria, we’re clear, it has no place in our game,” Honey said.

“Basketball is one of the most diverse sports in the country and that diversity is something we must protect.

“This campaign is about backing our words with action and giving clubs, coaches and leaders practical tools to help create environments where everyone feels safe, respected and welcome.”

The Set The Standard campaign focuses on empowering coaches and community leaders to take meaningful action, from setting expectations and responding to incidents, through to building inclusive everyday habits that shape club culture over time.

Basketball Victoria Multicultural Officer and WNBL athlete Nya Lok said the campaign reflects the kind of community sport should strive to be.

“Set The Standard is more than just a campaign, it’s a daily choice and the culture we create within our communities every single day,” Lok said.

“I’ve seen what it feels like to walk into spaces where you don’t fully feel like you belong. But I’ve also experienced the power of what happens when people feel safe, seen and supported.

“That’s when people thrive, not just in sport, but in life.”

Lok said racism in sport can often go unnoticed, despite the lasting impact it can have on individuals and communities.

“Across community basketball, it’s often the small moments that determine whether someone feels like they belong or whether they feel pushed out,” she said.

“Racism in sport isn’t always loud. Sometimes it’s subtle, it’s ignored, and it impacts participation, wellbeing and connection.

“As a player and as a multicultural leader, I know how powerful it is when people feel safe, supported and seen for who they are. That’s the standard we should all be setting.”

VicHealth CEO Professor Anna Peeters AM said community sport has an important role to play in creating safe and inclusive environments.

“Community sport is so good for us, it reduces our risk of chronic disease, strengthens mental health and builds community connection,” Professor Peeters said.

“But when racism shows up, it harms people’s health and denies them of all the positive health outcomes sport can bring.

“We’ve heard from coaches and club leaders that they care deeply about creating inclusive environments: many just aren’t sure what to do in the moment. Small actions can be crucial in building safer, stronger and fairer clubs.”

To learn more about the campaign and to sign up to receive updates, head to: setthestandard.vic.gov.au

A Call to Lead

Leaders are encouraged to register for the upcoming Building Culturally Safer Sport Clubs webinar on Tuesday 19 May, designed to equip community sport leaders with practical tools to help prevent and respond to racism and build stronger club cultures.

“As leaders, coaches and role models, we all influence the environments around us,” Lok said.

“Set the standard. Be visible. Create spaces where people feel safe enough to be themselves and confident enough to belong.”

Because when people feel safe and welcome in sport, they stay active, connected and well.

To register for the webinar visit: Building Culturally Safer Sport Clubs - Vicsport

-Ends-

For all media enquiries:
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria
Media & Communications Specialist
Email: maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
Phone: 0499 851 266

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