Helping Hoops 2023 Annual Report

THIS REPORT COVERS THE PERIOD JUNE 30, 2022 TO JULY 1, 2023 FOR OUR FINANCIALS.

THIS REPORT ALSO INCLUDES THE PERIOD NOVEMBER 2022 TO NOVEMBER 2023 FOR HELPING HOOPS EVENTS & PROGRAMS.

Moving forward, The next Helping Hoops annual report will cover the period June 30, 2023 - July 1, 2024.

ACKNOWLEDGMENT OF COUNTRY

Helping Hoops acknowledges the Traditional Custodians of the lands on which we work, live and run our programs.

We pay our respects to Elders past and present and extend that respect to all Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander Peoples.

These lands always were and always will be Aboriginal land.

MISSION

Helping Hoops’ mission is to use basketball to inspire, empower and support children and young people. We achieve this by advocating for the removal of barriers to access sport and to provide free community-based programs that instill values and skills that benefit participants in their everyday lives.

Through this we aspire to create stronger and more cohesive communities while working for equality for future generations

A SNAPSHOT OF SOME OF OUR IMPACT IN 2023.

Step into the inspiring world of Helping Hoops as we reflect on the remarkable journey of 2023. With each dribble, assist, and slam dunk, Helping Hoops continued its unwavering commitment to inspire, empower, and support children and young individuals across Melbourne. As we unveil the vibrant infographics capturing the essence of our impact throughout the year, join us in celebrating the countless stories of growth, resilience, and community cohesion.

From the heart of the basketball court to the fabric of society, Helping Hoops’ dedication to creating positive change resonates in every statistic and stride. Embrace the spirit of philanthropy in motion as we showcase the transformative power of hoops in shaping brighter futures for all.

PRESIDENTS REPORT: – ERIN WALLACE

AS I REFLECT ON 2023, I WHOLE-HEARTEDLY BELIEVE HELPING HOOPS IS IN ITS STRONGEST POSITION TO DATE ACROSS ALL FACETS OF THE ORGANISATION.

The small but mighty team of Teuila and Hanna, backed by our Coaches, were instrumental in solidifying program delivery as they reached new heights, growing to 17 weekly programs and adding Keima and Daniella to the coaching contingent. Programs are the core of our existence and impact the lives of hundreds of individuals across Victoria fostering a sense of belonging and empowerment among our community. Our dedicated team of volunteers continues to be the backbone of Helping Hoops. Their passion and commitment to our cause have been instrumental in the success of our programs.

Helping Hoops expanded its network of partnerships with sporting organisations, and corporate partners. These collaborations played a crucial role in enhancing the reach and sustainability of our programs. We are grateful for the support of our partners who share our commitment to creating positive change.

While we celebrate our successes, we acknowledge the challenges faced during the year. The ongoing global financial situation posed obstacles for fundraising efforts. However, these challenges provided valuable learning opportunities, prompting us to adapt and innovate in the face of adversity and we were pleased to reach our fundraising targets for both the Charity Shootout and Game Changers Luncheon.

We are pleased to report a stable financial position for the organisation in 2023. The generosity of our donors, both individual and corporate, has enabled us to maintain and expand our programs. As with all NFP’s, financial management will remain a priority in 2024 as we continue to explore avenues for sustainable funding to safeguard the future of Helping Hoops.

As we move into 2024, we are energised by the potential for further growth and impact. We remain committed to our core values and will continue to explore new ways to reach and positively influence more lives through the power of basketball.

In conclusion, I want to express my gratitude to the entire Helping Hoops community – our staff, coaches, volunteers, committee members, partners, and donors. Your unwavering support has allowed us to make a meaningful difference in the lives of those we serve. Together, we will continue to build a brighter future through the love of the game.

Thank you for your commitment to Helping Hoops.

ERIN WALLACE PRESIDENT

EXECUTIVE DIRECTORS REPORT: – TEUILA REID

HELPING HOOPS IS SPECIAL.

I felt like I belonged from day 1 back in 2016 when I first met Founder, Adam McKay, sitting on our crusty milk crate office furniture in the old Collingwood warehouse we called HQ. We got to work quickly and over the years drove each other crazy. Sometimes lovingly, sometimes not. Hindsight gives me a humbling perspective and being in the role of Executive Director today fuels a respect and love for how Adam led. He believed in me and changed my life as he did for 1,000’s of others. The instrumental role he played in amplifying the voices and experiences of young athletes, creating pathways to those that couldn’t participate in hoops due to barriers that existed 14 years ago, and persist today.

Years on and a few different hats within the organisation, that sense of belonging endures and I remain deeply connected to our cause and its people. We have weathered challenges as a community, shared many highs and navigated lows. We have stumbled, messed up and kept going guided by the lighthouse of our values and the support of incredible individuals, organisations and companies.

Our approach is to meet children and young people where they are at. This first and vital step enables an understanding of every persons’ worldview and we build from there. Connection is our pathway to trust. This approach has a methodology intrinsic to coaching the whole athlete and it is how we foster a sense of belonging. Our tone of leadership across all aspects of the organisation is foundational to how we do sports based youth development and key to the enduring relationships we have with the communities we are a part of.

In 2023, we mentored Helping Hoops alumni into paid coaching roles. The majority of our programs are now youth lead. Past participants now have the opportunity to run their own programs with the support and agency to develop themselves and those they coach. We are excited to keep building on this throughout our organisation. Top down, all our people represent what we wish to see more of in the world of Sport.

In 2024, we will continue to deliver programs and expand on our depth of impact. Depth means evaluating our social impact and developing a strategic framework that centers our values and the experience of children and young people. It also means more advocacy that seeks to remove the prohibitive systemic barriers that prevent equal access. With 14 years of experience, Helping Hoops plays a key role in building the capacity of all involved in Sport to adopt a human-centered approach from grassroots to elite performance.

I would like to thank community! All our children, young people and their families, our Programs and Operations extraordinaire Hanna Cruz and our inspiring Coaches, Committee Members, Volunteers, Team mates, Ambassadors, Fundraisers, Members, Partners and Donors. You all contribute in unique and integral ways to Helping Hoops and we just could not do any of this without you.

Big thanks to our major partners, Nike Australia and the Ben Simmons Family Foundation. We are so grateful for the presence and expertise you have for social impact and your provision of support for us to keep delivering programs.

Special mentions to Kristen Penny for 10 years of service! Your generosity and dedication to Helping Hoops as a program volunteer, Committee member and Vice President has been instrumental to where we are today. Thanks as well to, Nima Sobhani for continuing to provide strategic support to Helping Hoops and Clinton Meehan, my predecessor for steering the organisation through the most turbulent time.

Finally, to Adam McKay. Big shoes to fill but I will tread the way you always encouraged. We hope you are proud of how we have continued building on your legacy. We’ve got you - always.

TEUILA REID EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS MANAGERS REPORTORT: – HANNA CRUZ

THERE IS SO MUCH TO SHARE ABOUT OUR ACHIEVEMENTS IN 2023!.

Our annual charity shootout captured elements of our community that I was really proud to be a part of. I got to witness what ‘community lead’ really means, the success of the 2023 shootout was due to everyone showing up and playing their part. Young participants who have been part of what we do for years, took ownership of the event and made my job easy, including a record bump out time of 45 minutes! I felt that the shootout was really their event and it was inspiring to be a part of.

Community engagement work can seem daunting with the amount of programs we have but in 2023 I have been able to forge deeper connections with families in different program areas which has strengthened our impact each week. When I started in my role I also coordinated food donations through my church and that continues to be a much needed offering to kids and families at a few program locations today.

New leadership across our organisation has given me a renewed sense of optimism and joy. Mentoring young leaders who have grown up in our programs into paid Head Coach roles - seeing this vision amongst our team come to life has been a massive highlight and I look forward to continuing to develop this. As part of that mentoring, I lead our Melbourne United Coach mentoring program to enhance the experience and opportunities for our Coaching team.

WE ARE A SMALL TEAM WITH LIMITED RESOURCES BUT I BELIEVE THAT OUR STRENGTHS LAY IN THE RELATIONSHIPS WE HAVE WITH SO MANY YOUNG PEOPLE, FAMILIES AND STAKEHOLDERS.

Last but by no means, least my highlight has been working with Teuila. She meets everyone where they are at, allows me to be ME and that has enabled my creativity to soar. Teuila leads by our values and the ripple effect is amazing.

The calendar is full for 2024!

These relationships are so valuable to me as they are genuinely the glue that holds us together to ensure our work continues to make a positive impact to the communities we are blessed to be a part of.

HANNA CRUZ PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS MANAGE

MATT ROSEBY

THIS YEAR THE FLOODGATES HAVE OPENED UP AND THERE HAVE BEEN A PLETHORA OF CHANGES ON AND OFF THE COURT!

I have spoken to more family members than in all the years I’ve coached. Moms, Dads, Aunts, Uncles, Cousins, and Siblings have shared so much of their lives and it has been truly amazing to be provided with insights into the life of the kids I coach beyond the few hours spent on the court at our session.

When a young person that I’ve watched grow up comes up to me to ask how to achieve something specific they’ve experienced in life or another basketball league it shows growth. To me it says,

“Hey Coach, I’m experiencing something that I am not able to figure out on my own, can you please assist?”

Once solutions are provided that young person goes off armed with a new arsenal of ideas.

This is then just the beginning because the parents are still present and they want to provide the backstory to how it all began in the first place. To make several long stories short, this is how communities are formed and thrive!

There’s nothing more powerful than seeing and living the achievements that you wish to create. After so many years doing this, I continue to be curious and hopeful about what’s next for all our kids.

OMAR COLES HEAD COACH & MENTOR

HEAD COACH & MENTOR: – RENEE CLARKE

IN MY 12TH YEAR AS A HEAD COACH WITH HH IT HAS BEEN MY ABSOLUTE PRIVILEGE TO WITNESS THE GROWTH OF OUR COACHING COHORT.

ADDING SUCH BRILLIANT YOUNG MINDS THAT REALLY ENCOMPASS WHO WE ARE AND WHAT WE DO IS SO IMPORTANT FOR THE LONGEVITY OF OUR PROGRAMS AND THE YOUNG PEOPLE WE WORK WITH!

Watching HH bloom under a new Executive Director has also been a highlight - like most things, nothing good happens without its challenges and while we have had a few, moving forward I feel like we are in good stead.

I’m looking forward to the continued growth in depth of what we do and who we are, as we keep building into the future and adding the building blocks that will help us reach new heights. Bring on 2024!

RENEE CLARKE HEAD COACH & MENTOR

HEAD COACH & MENTOR: – KELVIN BOWERS ‘KB’

AFTER MOVING FROM FUTURE FOOTSCRAY IN 2022 DUE TO OTHER WORK COMMITMENTS, I AM GLAD TO BE BACK COACHING A NEW GROUP AND NEW PROGRAM.

I REFLECT ON THE MANY MENTORING SESSIONS AND CONVERSATIONS WITH THESE KIDS.

I FEEL LIKE THERE ARE FEW PEOPLE IN THEIR LIVES WHO ARE PAYING THE KIND OF ATTENTION I CAN THROUGH THIS PROGRAM.

Helping Hoops Braybrook commenced with an invitation from RecWest Braybrook and Maribyrnong Youth Services to run their Big Bang Ballers program.

Although the program is only 6 months old, the impact and development has beenoutstanding. The program is uniquely different from other programs I’ve Coached.

Our focus has been more on mentoring in life than on basketball skill development. The Braybrook area saw a surge in yoauth crime and tragic events earlier in 2023 and it is my hope that we can continue to mentor kids through these ups and downs.

There’s a player who is in a wheelchair and to date has not been able to find anyone who can help him walk again. He approached me and asked me to help him.

I am so excited about the future and potential Braybrook Future has to offer and I’m so grateful to be part of the growth.

KELVIN BOWERS HEAD COACH & MENTOR

HEAD COACH: – MATTHEW ROSEBY

BASKETBALL HAS LONG BEEN A PASSION OF MINE, AND I HAVE INVESTED A LOT INTO THE GAME, BUT I AM INCREDIBLY FORTUNATE TO HAVE RECEIVED A LOT BACK ALSO; WITHOUT DOUBT, THE OPPORTUNITY TO HEAD THREE OF HELAPING HOOPS’ PROGRAMS THIS PAST YEAR HAS BEEN A TRUE HIGHLIGHT OF MY CAREER.

Adding the Croxton All-Abilities Program to my schedule offered an entirely new dynamic. Taking over a program from Renee left big shoes to fill, but also opened the door to learning about her coaching style and the influence she exerts on her programs. Seeing how she approached sessions centred around a diverse array of accommodations and a large age range has helped me expand my abilities as a coach across all my programs.

Both my Fitzroy and North Melbourne Programs have seen many participants transition to new stages of their youth; many of the Fitzroy Program’s participants are entering into competitive basketball teams for the first time, while several members of the North Melbourne Program are approaching the tail end of their current schooling, whether it be primary or secondary.

Playing a small part in these transitive journeys and helping foster the growth of my athletes is a privilege I am beyond proud to hold, and one that I hope will have laid the foundations for auspiciousness long after their time within Helping Hoops.

MATTHEW ROSEBY HEAD COACH

MATT ROSEBY

IT HAS BEEN AN INCREDIBLE EXPERIENCE TRANSITIONING FROM A PARTICIPANT TO A COACH FOR HH.

NYIDIER RIAK HEAD COACH HEAD COACH: – NYIDIER RIAK

With such a supporting team of staff I’ve been able to be a part of the continuous growth and development of Prahan Bounce Program and North Melbourne’s Power Program this year.

I’ve particularly enjoyed seeing my young athletes work and push through challenging activities, regardless of the outcome. Although that may be a highlight not all sessions have been the same. I myself learnt that I will face my own challenges that are out of my control, but the mindset I have towards it is truly what’s important.

Having the opportunity to participate at Power Werribee I look forward to our continuous growth as a program. I look to be more involved – to take on a mentor role for the younger ladies.

2024, I’m hoping to be able to connect with the participants more and engage with their families, look at possible pathways into competing in basketball. Also learn more about their “why” including those who don’t want to play at any further level.

HEAD COACH: – GEORGE TOAISHARA

I STARTED AS HEAD COACH FOR THE FUTURE FOOTSCRAY PROGRAM AT THE END OF 2022.

I have a regular group of boys (ranging in age from 1322) who enjoy coming to do skill work leading into 5v5 towards the end of each session.

My group are a mixture of social basketball players and rep players so there is a big range in skill level. The 5v5’s are very competitive which is something I like to encourage in our sessions! It always gets quite intense and the losing players are always keen to come back the next week to win!

My youngest player is 13 and enjoys our sessions even though there are no other players his age. The older boys are always giving him pointers about his game. He also told me that the future sessions on Wednesday’s have helped him improve his game and confidence as he now finds it easier playing against players his own age outside of Helping Hoops.

It’s the banter and on court convo’s I like the most amongst my group and also developing a really competitive, challenging environment because it makes the guys want to get better and build on things each week.

GEORGE TOAISHARA HEAD COACH

MATT ROSEBY

HEAD COACH: – KEIMA FONONGA

MATT ROSEBY

I HAVE BEEN A PART OF HELPING HOOPS FOR 6 YEARS AS A PARTICIPANT OF FUTURE WERRIBEE AND POWER WERRIBEE PROGRAMS. IN 2023 I BECAME A HEAD COACH OF THE POWER FAWKNER PROGRAM AND I AM SO HAPPY TO PLAY A ROLE IN THE GIRLS’ LIVES.

I love how determined the girls are, they don’t give up and want to learn more things all while encouraging one another. I have learnt to be patient and how to compromise, A LOT of compromise happens at my program because we all want to do different things!

In the future I hope my girls are happy. They have strong and beautiful personalities and I hope nothing dulls their happiness or changes who they are.

These girls bring out the best version of myself. I’m so lucky to have something to look forward to each week!

HEAD COACH KEIMA FONONGA

HEAD COACH: – DANIELLA NAGNDA

I’VE BEEN INVOLVED WITH HELPING HOOPS FOR ROUGHLY 10 YEARS NOW.

I started going to Helping Hoops Richmond sessions early on in primary school and the organisation has had a huge impact on my basketball journey.

I’m extremely grateful for all the opportunities I’ve been given and I’m really excited to share my experience with the next up and coming hoop stars that are in the helping hoops program.

Hopefully I can continue to inspire their love for the game and be a positive role model kids in my community can count on.

DANIELLA NGANDA HEAD COACH

A HUGE THANKS TO ALL OF OUR INCREDIBLY TALENTED COACHES FOR ALL THEIR HARD WORK AND DEDICATION IN 2023

OUR PROGRAMS

BOUNCE PROGRAMS

BROADMEADOWS

Helping Hoops Broadmeadows is a free basketball program for children and young people living with an intellectual disability living in Melbourne’s north-west. The program runs every Tuesday from 3 to 4pm and 5 to 6pm and is overseen by Coach Omar.

Bounce Broadmeadows All Abilities is funded by: ‘The Newsboys Foundation’

DANDENONG

Helping Hoops Dandenong is a free, multicultural basketball program for children living in Melbourne’s south-east. The program runs every Wednesday from 4:30 to 5:30pm and is overseen by Coach Omar.

Bounce Dandenong is funded by: ‘The Marian and E.H Flack Trust and Metro Tunnels Community Grant’

FITZROY

Helping Hoops Fitzroy is a free, multicultural basketball program for children living on the Atherton Gardens public housing estate. The program runs every Monday from 4:30 to 6pm and is overseen by Coach Matt.

Bounce Fitzroy is funded by: ‘The Ben Simmons Family Foundation’

“The Fitzroy Bounce Program has undergone a sleuth of changes in the last twelve months. I took over the Session earlier this year, during which it was in the midst of a transitory window; with many of the previous participants entering the later years of high school and dedicating more time to competitive basketball, the Program began to shape itself around a younger generation of Fitzroy residents. With the assistance of newly joined volunteer Lauren, and veteran volunteer Dimi, we have been able to capture the interest of soccer enthusiasts, first-time ballers, and a number of long time Bounce participants. Our sessions begin with an open discussion, before kicking off with a skills session and building up to high energy full-court scrimmage by the program’s end.” Coach Matt.

CROXTON

Helping Hoops Croxton is a free basketball program for children with an intellectual disability living in Melbourne’s north. The program runs every Wednesday from 3 to 4pm and 4:30 to 5:30 pm and is overseen by Coach Matt.

Bounce Broadmeadows All Abilities is funded by: ‘The Newsboys Foundation’

WERRIBEE

Helping Hoops Werribee is a free, multicultural basketball program for children living in Melbourne’s outer-west. The program runs every Friday from 4:30 to 6:30 pm and is overseen by Coach Omar.

Bounce Werribee is funded by: ‘Nike’, proceeds from the ‘2023 Charity Shootout’ and ‘Game Changers fundraising events’ Community Grant’

PRAHRAN

Helping Hoops Prahran is a free, multicultural basketball program for children living on the Prahran public housing estate. The program runs every Tuesday from 5 to 7pm and is overseen by Coach Nyidier.

Bounce Prahran is funded by: ‘City of Stonnington Community Grant’

RICHMOND

Helping Hoops Richmond is a free, multicultural basketball program for children living on the Richmond public housing estate. The program runs every Thursday from 4:00 to 5:30pm and is overseen by Coach Omar. Coach Daniella replaced Coach Omar at this program in December 2023.

Bounce Richmond is funded by: ‘The Marian and E.H Flack Trust’

NORTH MELBOURNE

Helping Hoops North Melbourne is a free, multicultural basketball program for children living on the North Melbourne public housing estate. The program runs every Friday from 4 to 6pm and is overseen by coach Matt.

Bounce North Melbourne is funded by: ‘PressRoom Philanthropy’

FUTURE PROGRAMS

BRAYBROOK

Helping Hoops Future Braybrook started with an invitation to Helping Hoops by Maribyrnong Youth Services and RecWest Braybrook to re-ignite their Big Bang Ballers drop-in program. It is a free, multicultural basketball program for young people. The program runs fortnightly on Fridays from 4-6 pm and is overseen by Coach KB.

Future Braybrook is funded by: ‘Maribyrnong Youth Services’

DANDENONG

Helping Hoops Future Dandenong is a free, multicultural basketball program for older participants, having come from Dandenong Bounce and now desiring more challenging and targeted experiences. he program runs every Wednesday from 5:30 to 7pm and is overseen by Coach Omar.

Future Dandenong is funded by: ‘The Ben Simmons Family Foundation’

FOOTSCRAY

Helping Hoops Future Footscray is a free, multicultural basketball program for older participants requiring a more challenging and targeted experience. The program runs every Wednesday from 6 to 8pm and is overseen by Coach George.

Future Footscray is funded by: ‘The Ben Simmons Family Foundation’

WERRIBEE

Helping Hoops Future Werribee is a free, multicultural basketball program for older participants, having come from our Bounce community programs and now desiring more challenging and targeted experiences. The program runs every Friday from 6:30 to 8:30 pm and is overseen by Coach Renee.

Future Werribee is funded by: ‘The Ben Simmons Family Foundation’

WERRIBEE (SENIORS)

Helping Hoops Future Werribee (seniors) is a free, multicultural basketball program for older participants, having come from our Future community programs The program runs every Sunday afternoon and is overseen by Coach Renee.

Future Werribee (seniors) is funded by: The proceeds of the ‘2023 Charity Shootout’ and ‘Game Changers’ fundraising events

POWER PROGRAMS

HELPING HOOPS

POWER PROGRAMS ARE SO UNIQUE AND CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ENVIRONMENTS WHERE GIRLS AND YOUNG WOMEN ARE SUPPORTED AND REPRESENTED FOR THEIR STRENGTH AND LEADERSHIP ON AND OFF THE COURT. IN 2023, WE ENTERED POWER WERRIBEE IN A LOCAL DOMESTIC COMPETITION AND WE LOOK FORWARD TO DEVELOPING THIS ELEMENT TO OUR PROGRAM MODEL.

WERRIBEE

Our newest Power program, Power Werribee is a free, multicultural basketball program for young women, ages 12 and up, living in the outer-western suburbs. The program is overseen by coach Renee. Power Werribee includes 2 weekly sessions and a Power Werribee team which competes in a local domestic competition. The program commenced in May 2023 to give young women an opportunity to play in an inclusive environment.

Power Werribee is funded by: ‘Wyndham City’

NORTH MELBOURNE (FORMERLY KENSINGTON)

Power North Melbourne is a free, multicultural basketball program for girls and young women. Helping Hoops works closely with The Huddle in its delivery. The program is overseen by Coach Nyidier

Power North Melbourne is funded by: ‘Nike’

FAWKNER

Power Fawkner is a free, multicultural basketball program for girls living in the northern suburbs. The program is overseen by Coach Keima.

Power Fawkner is funded by: ‘Nike’ and ‘Merri-Bek council’

FUNDRAISING EVENTS

OTHER FUNDRAISING EVENTS IN 2023:

Ikon Cup Melbourne Deakin Boomers

NBA Finals watch party with Maxfield Events

Melbourne United Golf Day

Melbourne United Multicultural Round Bunnings Sausage Sizzle (Collingwood)

Special thanks to: local legends Justin HeaneyHangTime Hoops charity raffle and Paradise Alley.

$104,136 RAISED IN 2023

160+ FUNDRAISERS

387 SHOTS IN 15 MINUITES

GEORGIA KOOPMANS WAS OUR HIGHEST FREE THROWER

HOW MANY FREE THROWS COULD YOU MAKE IN 15 MINUTES WHILE RAISING MONEY TO SUPPORT HELPING HOOPS ?

That question was answered by hundreds of supporters on the weekend of June 10 & 11 at Melbourne Sports & Aquatic Centre (MSAC) in Albert Park, Melbourne.

Now in its twelfth year, the Charity Shootout is our biggest community fundraising event on the Helping Hoops calendar. The fundraising tally for 2023 reached $104,136 which was achieved through a combination of individual fundraisers and corporate support.

Along with the 160+ fundraisers who shot free throws, 2023 saw 63 participants involved in the All Star showcases featuring Bounce, Power and Future participants with celebrity athletes. Aunty Janet Gamblin and the Bandok Tati dance troupe Welcomed the event and shared Culture on court with community members and spectators. Emmanuel Malou, OG Coach Nima Sobhani, Chol Dut and many other community leaders played an All Star game on the evening of day 1 with our Future crew. Bounce and Power program participants were involved in a showcase on court to show off their skills throughout the weekend. We also had special guest athletes from the Victorian Wheelchair basketball team. The 2023 Shootout had the most participant volunteer involvement we’ve ever seen and that ensured the event captured all the energy at our programs.

Absolute superstar and champion of Helping Hoops for so many years, Georgia Koopmans shot the record 387 free throws in 15 minutes! Those unable to attend locally at MSAC did not miss the opportunity to shoot and fundraise by signing up to participate at their local hoop.

OUR EVENT PARTNERS: Nike, Ben Simmons Family Foundation, Basketball Victoria, Melbourne United Basketball Club and Two Birds Talking.

OUR PRIZE DONORS:

Hoop City, Ball 360, Ticket Merchant, Team Feet, Royal Stacks, Crown Resorts and Team Feet.

ADDITIONAL THANKS:

6th Man Basketball, Myosynergy Massagers and all our volunteer MC’s and DJ’s. All our Bounce, Future & Power program volunteers!

PHOTOGRAPHERS AND VIDEOGRAPHERS:

Mark Gregory, Juan Carlos Arroyo, Brittany Garcia, Louisse Enad, Jotham Kuku, Cedric Mamoe

NOVEMBER 10, 2023

$73,218

RAISED IN 2023

GAME CHANGERS 2023 LUNCHEON AT CAROUSEL, ALBERT PARK WAS ANOTHER AMAZING AFTERNOON OF LAUGHS, GOOD VIBES AND COMMUNITY CONNECTION.

Game Changers brings together all our Corporate sponsors, community leaders, Coaches and friends of Helping Hoops. Plenty of laughs thanks to star MC, Akec Makur Chuot, insightful contributions from our guest panelists and a dynamic live auction lead by Michael Hill. Uncle Steve Parker kicked off the afternoon with a Welcome to Country connecting us all to Culture. Helping Hoops invited Bol Mayan from The Seed Network to moderate our inspiring panelists. We loved having longtime Ambassador Chris Goulding in the room. Thanks to all our supporters in attendance Helping Hoops raised: $73,218!

The success of this event is due to President Erin Wallace and the Max Events team. There is mastery in the way Erin and her team manage all things events and we are so grateful for her management of the event. Pressroom Philanthropy, Two Birds Talking, Chad Mann also played a huge role in helping us fundraise and create an event that reflects the true essence of Helping Hoops.

PRESENTING PARTNERS:

Nike & Royal Stacks

PLATINUM PARTNERS:

6th Man Basketball, Poke’d

GOLD PARTNER: Basketball Jersey World

PANEL PRESENTING PARTNERS:

Nike & Ben Simmons Family Foundation, Pressroom Philanthropy (who designed and printed our interactive menu cards)

EVENT MC:

Akec Makur Chuot

PANELISTS:

Sagalee Aba-Omer (Shooters Shoot), Teuila Reid, Akec Makur Chuot, Andrew Keith (Nike Australia), David Simmons (Ben Simmons Family Foundation), Jo Lual Acuil Jr and Malith Machar (Melbourne United Basketball Club)

PANEL MODERATOR:

Bol Mayan

UNCLE STEVE PARKER

AUCTIONEER:

Michael Hill

EVENT PHOTOGRAPHERS:

MMachar Nyuon, Jothan Kuku

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

2023 KICKED OFF WITH THE APPOINTMENT OF NEW EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR, TEUILA REID COMMENCING IN THE ROLE.

COST OF LIVING

The cost of living crises and post covid effects continue to adversely affect the communities we work with. As an organisation, we have done our best to respond to these challenges by creating referral pathways with other social service organisations for families requiring extra (off court) support. The following is a summary of initiatives, collaborations, and partner supported events and activities.

THE MELBOURNE UNITED COACH MENTORING PROGRAM

Commenced in May 2023. This 12 month program has provided Helping Hoops Coaches with incredible access and mentoring from the Melbourne United coaching team and athletes.

MULTICULTURAL ROUND

Helping Hoops participants were the feature of the half time game as part of Melbourne United Basketball Club’s multicultural round with proceeds from the auction of the exclusive jersey donated to Helping Hoops. It was an incredible experience to be a part of.

OVERSEAS OPPORTUNITIES

We initiated the provision of administrative, visa, citizenship and passport support to Future program participants so that when opportunities to travel overseas for basketball occur, their paperwork is not a barrier, as it often can be. Thanks to volunteer Jack McCombe and Collingwood Basketball Stadium for use of their meeting room fortnightly on Mondays.

FAMILY LIAISON OFFICER

We created a new Family Liaison (volunteer) role for All Abilities programs. Jenny Owens was selected to assist us due to her tremendous experience, with ensuring the appropriate support and safeguarding is provided to new participants with an intellectual disability.

YARRA YOUTH SERVICES

Helping Hoops Richmond and Fitzroy Bounce programs collaborated with Yarra Youth Services on a number of engaging sport based programs. The highlight event this year, thanks to the amazing team at Ticket Merchant who donated tickets, was to take 40 kids to their first ever k-pop concert!

SHEHOOPS

Power programs benefited from a SheHoops event where Lauren Jackson and Nyadiew Puoch facilitated a private training session and special Q&A with the girls. We sat with LJ and Nyadiew, asking questions about what the life of a professional athlete looks like, exploring pathways in the game and how to manage setbacks. Having the opportunity to hear directly from professional athletes continues to have positive ripple effects with our participants today.

THE HUDDLE

nd Helping Hoops continue to work together on the Power North Melbourne program. Big thanks to Mariam Taleb for always looking for ways to engage with and provide the best opportunities for female participation in sport.

THE WESTERN BULLDOGS COMMUNITY FOUNDATION

Coach Omar and Coach George facilitate a session with the organization’s GOAL mentoring program. Thank you Amal Hassan Ali for inviting us in to contribute to the outcomes for young people as part of GOAL.

EAST VS. WEST TOURNAMENT

Led by community leader, Sukart Alex, founder of Standout basketball, Helping Hoops provided in-kind support and promotion of the organisations East vs. West tournament in the South East. We are fortunate to have been a part of an event led by and for the community.

THE YEAR IN REVIEW

CONTINUED

THE LARITA ACADEMY

Invited Helping Hoops to be a partner, which included scholarships for 3 Helping Hoops participants and an invitation to be part of the Academy’s working group for the 2024 program. In 2023 we contributed to the design and impact of the program. Thank you to Anita Pahor and the LK Group. Anita’s leadership and commitment to community consultation and authentic co-design of the program was an example to Helping Hoops of how great partnerships between the community and corporate sector can work.

ELEVATE LEAGUE

Our friend and Helping Hoops alumni, Chol Dut’s Elevate League hosted several tournaments this year in which we had a number of Future and Power participants involved. It is inspiring to see the many offerings provided by Chol in his team for kids to hoop in environments where they are seen and supported to compete and bring their best.

BATMI PARENT SESSIONS

Coach Omar continued to work with the Twelve Batmi participants and ran four sessions with young people and their parents.

SHOOTERS SHOOT TOURNAMENTS

The Shooters Shoot tournament, cofounded by Helping Hoops alumni Sagalee Omer, also invited Helping Hoops to have a presence and the opportunity for many of our participants. Sagalee and his team know how to bring all the diverse groups together and it has been our privilege to be included.

NEW TEAM MEMBERS

We welcomed new Coaches and a new Ambassador to the team; Keima Fononga (Power Fawkner), Tom Morris (Bounce Croxton All Abilities) and Daniella Nagnda (Bounce Richmond).

Emmanuel Malou has been a great presence in the lives of many Helping Hoops participants, as HH alumni himself we are lucky to have him in the team!

THE MELBOURNE DEAKIN BOOMERS

We re-ignited our partnership with the Melbourne Deakin Boomers and have received so much from their support by way of fundraising events, tickets to games for our participants and families as well as invitations to network with the business community within the club. Thank you to Adam McKay for bringing things back to life and Tony Hallam for identifying all the people and opportunities to us.

WORK EXPERIENCE STUDENTS

We hosted a few work experience students from Collingwood College, Melbourne Girls College and Caulfield Grammar in 2023. Some of our work experience students were Helping Hoops participants aspiring to careers in Sport. A highlight for our Executive Director to spend those weeks sharing the ins and outs of what ‘work’ looks like in the sport based youth development field.

AS WE REFLECT ON THE NUMBER OF ACTIVITIES THAT ENHANCE OUR PROGRAMS WE MUST EMPHASIZE THE ROLE OUR VOLUNTEERS PLAY IN ENABLING ALL OF THIS TO HAPPEN. OUR VOLUNTEERS ARE THE THREAD THAT WEAVES ALL OF THIS TOGETHER AND WE REMAIN FOREVER GRATEFUL TO THE CONTRIBUTION OF THEIR TIME AND EXPERTISE AT ALL LEVELS OF OUR ORGANISATION.

THE DAVE ZWOLENSKI,VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR AWARD:

In memory of Fitzroy Volunteer, Dave Z who died in 2021. This award recognises the commitment and contribution of our volunteers as inspired by one of the best, who left us too soon.

Voted by our Coaching team, the award is given to an individual who goes above and beyond at Helping Hoops programs.

THE 2023 RECIPIENT OF THIS AWARD IS... –

EVERYONE NEEDS A FRIEND LIKE DAVE Z”

AFFECTIONATELY KNOWN AS ‘MR. WILL’ AT BOUNCE PRAHRAN, SALIL BEGAN

VOLUNTEERING IN MAY 2019. HE HAS BUILT WONDERFUL RELATIONSHIPS WITH THE PRAHRAN CREW, JOINS IN OUR FUNDRAISING EVENTS AND IS AN ALL ROUND WARM AND POSITIVE PRESENCE.

The kids that attend Helping Hoops Prahran are great to be around. Every session challenges them in different ways, and I love seeing them realize they can do more than they think they are capable of. I mean, a 4 year old making shots on a regulation sized basket is no small feat!

We try to build leaders in the group so it’s always great to see when some of the older kids embrace the role and guide their peers. The session may not always go according to plan and can be challenging at times, but that’s what I love about it.

I volunteer because it’s just my way of giving back to the community. Doing things for others gives me a sense of purpose and makes me happy. It’s even better that I can do it through a sport I love!

BY STEPHEN G KERLEY, SGK ACCOUNTING

OUR SUPPORTERS

MAJOR PARTNERS

Nike

Ben Simmons Family Foundation

PROGRAM FUNDERS

Nike, Ben Simmons Family Foundation, Marian & EH

Flack Family Trust, Newsboys Foundation, Pressroom

Philanthropy, Merri-bek Council, Stonnington Council, Metro

Tunnels grant program.

SPORTING PARTNERS

Basketball Victoria

Melbourne United

Melbourne Deakin Boomers

CORPORATE PARTNERS

Max Events, The Field Group, Goalrilla, Two Birds Talking,

Ticket Verse

AMBASSADORS

Ben Simmons

Chris Goulding

Kuany Kuany

Ezi Magbegor

Emmanuel Malou

TEAMMATES

Chad Mann, Nima Soghi

OUR PEOPLE

FOUNDER

Adam McKay

PRESIDENT

Erin Wallace

VICE- PRESIDENT

Kristen Penny

SECRETARY

Matt Bolitho

TREASURER

Jon Traynor

GENERAL COMMITTEE MEMBERS

Kate Thomas

Aguer Athian

Bradley Davidson

Akec Makur Chuot

Luke Smith

EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR

Teuila Reid

PROGRAMS & OPERATIONS MANAGER

Hanna Cruz

GOVERNANCE PROGRAMINTERNS

Daniella Nagnda

Mariam Taleb

PROGRAM VOLUNTEERS;

BOUNCE FITZROY

Dimi Petreski

Lauren Clarke

Lachie Cloak

In memoriam- Dave

Zwolenski

BOUNCE BROADMEADOWS

Jenny Owens

Mick Bradley

Jodie Fisher

BOUNCE PRAHRAN

Salil Kulkarni

Georgie White

Tom White

BOUNCE & FUTURE

DANDENONG

Adam Sliwinski

Lana Hollingsworth

Jordan Tissera

Noah Castro

Jackson Wilson

BOUNCE CROXTON

Tom Morris

BOUNCE RICHMOND

Meredith Oldham

Eric Tee

Charlotte Omond

BOUNCE WERRIBEE

Hannah Meilak

Akol Michael

Magok

HEAD COACHES

Omar Coles

Renee Clarke

Kelvin Bowers

Tom White

Tom Morris

Nyidier Riak

Matthew Roseby

George Toaishara

Keima Fononga

Daniella Nagnda

STAY IN TOUCH

SOCIAL

 /helpinghoops

 /helpinghoops

 /helpinghoops

 /helpinghoops

EMAIL info@helpinghoops.com.au

PHONE 1300 851 810

ADDRESS

Helping Hoops

673 Bourke St (Ground Floor)

Melbourne VIC 3000