But it’s about much more than basketball. 

The First Nations-led business has a fully equipped gym – knowing that sport and exercise instill routine, discipline, determination and self-respect – and runs programs in Indigenous communities, and in Darwin and Alice Springs prisons. 

It blends the life experiences of its mentors with leading edge trauma-informed neuroscience in an effective drive to help Territorians better themselves. 

The gym in Pinelands, on the outskirts of Darwin, is open to everyone. 

“It’s not just for Indigenous kids,” says Timmy. “Everyone is welcome – black, white, yellow, brindle.” 

The Hoops 4 Health team have seen how their programs can turn around the lives of people, particularly those under 25. 

For instance, the Central Australian staffer was a prisoner who was released from Alice Springs jail late last year after serving more than 10 years. 

“He could hold the attention of a roomful of inmates for 45 minutes talking enthusiastically about our programs,” says Timmy. “We’ve helped hundreds of people over the years.” 

Indigenous people are overrepresented in the youth justice system in Australia. 

“Studies have also shown that rates of adverse childhood experiences, exposure to abuse, neglect or household dysfunction, are particularly high in this population, as are trauma symptoms, substance use and internalising and externalising behaviours. 

“With this in mind, research has shown that developmentally focused and trauma-informed approaches may offer the greatest promise in assisting young people and keeping the community safe from crime. 

“Creative and accessible solutions, such as healing-centred sport, offer a lot of untapped potential for healing and crime prevention. 

“In fact, sport in particular is uniquely suited to be part of the solution because of the way that it inherently combines physical activity, relationships, structure and competence building. 

“Addressing and using a trauma and culturally informed approach in our engagement with young people is significant to us making an impact. 

“The ability to reflect and regulate to make decisions and using stress to build resilience is a key component of our session delivery. It just so happens we also use a basketball to interact and give some life lessons.” 

Hoops 4 Health strives to have a positive impact by working on six principles, including practising “deep listening” and celebrating First Nations success. 

Programs don’t just use sport as a self-empowerment tool – they also nurture potential community leaders and even include financial literacy training. 

“I know we can’t change the world, but we can do our bit to make a difference.” 

The Pineland has a basketball half-court, weights, cardio bikes, rowers and new boxing bag. 

“It’s got all you need to get fit and work on your basketball skills,” says Timmy, the only born-and-bred Territorian and only Indigenous man to play in the National Basketball League. “It’s open to the public so anyone and everyone can book in. 

“And what makes us different is when you book a session with us you have the whole facility to yourself and use it how you like.” 

CONTACT 

Hoops 4 Health 

3/43 Marjorie St, Pinelands Darwin NT 0829 

0431 428 767 

admin@hoops4health.org 

hoops4health.org