Koorie Academy Basketball CEO Uncle Ricky Baldwin’s call for support has been answered with the donation of a 12-seater bus.
Yorta Yorta man Phil Jackson is the managing director of Indigenous Civil Group (ICG), a 100 percent Indigenous owned and operated civil construction, rail and plant hire business that donated the bus, which will enhance the Academy’s ability to deliver its programs across Victoria and beyond.
The partnership has helped facilitate Koorie Academy Basketball’s (KA) mission to inspire Indigenous youth through sport and culture.
“This bus is a small token of my support for what KA does for kids in the community,” says Jackson.
“Seeing the kids excited and having fun was all the thanks I needed.”
Gunai Kurnai man Uncle Ricky calls the donation of the bus a “big game-changer for us”.
“We can now transport our coaches, pick up kids, and carry all the stock we need for clinics in one vehicle.
“It’s going to make a huge difference, especially as we prepare to go national in 2025.”
KA coach and Gomeroi artist Katie Bugden has painted an artwork that now adorns the bus.
The design incorporates footprints symbolising the Academy’s journey and its community, turtles representing the collaboration between KA and ICG, and the Yarra River as a nod to the Academy’s Victorian roots.
Expanded program for better opportunities
The donation comes as KA continues to expand its impact. The organisation has seen significant growth since its inception in 2019, including partnerships like a three-year agreement with First People’s Health & Wellbeing and creating employment opportunities for more than 40 Indigenous youth through collaborations with businesses such as Bunnings.
As KA prepares to head interstate in the coming years, the bus symbolises not only mobility but the collective belief in empowering the next generation of Indigenous leaders through sport and culture.
“We’ve achieved so much, but there’s still more to do,” Uncle Ricky says.
“This support helps us reach more kids, especially in communities where they don’t get enough engagement. We’re grateful to Phil, ICG, and everyone who believes in what we’re doing.”
