To the South Australian basketball community,

Annually, Australian sport celebrates Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander culture with themed rounds, beautiful artwork and acknowledgements.  Along with these respectful messages and statements, I hope we all find some time to reflect on the significance of Reconciliation Week.

Reflection on the week itself, reflection on the two significant events in Australia’s journey toward reconciliation. The 1967 referendum, allowing Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people to be counted in the census, and the 1992 High Court Mabo decision, which recognised Native Title.

Reconciliation must be embraced in the hearts, minds, and actions of all Australians as we move forward, creating a nation built on respectful relationships between the broader Australian community and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people.

Reconciliation Week highlights the ongoing commitment to justice and the rights of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people. It serves as a reminder that the pursuit of reconciliation and the fight for equity must continue, and all Australians have a role to play.

At Basketball South Australia we are dedicated to advancing reconciliation by demonstrating respect within our basketball community in every aspect of our work, communication, and behaviour.

Within our sport, thank you to the amazing staff and young people thriving at the Tjindu Foundation and Aboriginal Basketball Academy.

Thank you to Pauly Vandenbergh for his long life contribution to improving the lives of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people and supporting me in finding the words to capture this week with meaning and sincerity.

Regards,

Tim Brenton