Delivering high hoops for Deadly Little Dribblers
Published: 29 October 2025A new generation of First Nations basketballers are set to crash the boards at Narrandjeri Stadium in Thornbury, one of five junior basketball development camps across the state.
The Deadly Little Dribblers program gives First Nations children the opportunity to try out basketball in towns and suburbs across Victoria including Ballarat, Dimboola, Melton, Mildura and Thornbury.
Budding basketball stars can score some valuable tips about the game from Koorie Basketball Academy CEO, head coach, and Knox Raiders Hall of Famer Ricky Baldwin as well as players from program partner clubs including the National Basketball League’s Melbourne United.
Ricky Baldwin said, ‘Running the camps across Victoria goes deeper than just playing basketball, it’s connecting community and providing opportunities for children they may not otherwise have.’
‘It’s far more than just camps, it’s bringing mob together in a fun and safe space, seeing them happy and smiling is what the team at Koorie Academy are about, inclusion for all.’
The clinics also aim to connect communities and provide opportunities for children they may not otherwise have had.
These Deadly Little Dribblers camps were made possible by a $100,000 funding slam dunk from the 2024-25 State Budget.
Investment in the project reflects the strong support for the Victorian Aboriginal community, alongside the new Victorian Aboriginal Sporting Partnership which is creating more opportunities in the community sport sector for Aboriginal athletes.
Initiatives like these are also about levelling the playing field and improving the health, wellbeing and social outcomes for Victorian communities.
For more information about the Deadly Little Dribblers program and how to get involved visit the Koorie Academy.