Basketball Program Unites Youth And Celebrates Culture In Mackay

A new youth basketball program in Mackay will provide over 130 young Australian South Sea Islanders with the opportunity to develop their skills and strengthen community ties, thanks to funding from the Queensland Government’s Strengthening Multicultural Queensland (SMQ) program.

The Queensland Police-Citizens Youth Welfare Association (PCYC) Mackay will receive over $46,000 as part of a broader $1.9 million investment in 26 multicultural community-led projects across the state.

The two-year program aims to break down social barriers, encourage cultural exchange, and strengthen community connections through the universal language of sport.

Minister for Multiculturalism Fiona Simpson said the grants are designed to support projects that foster inclusion and positive engagement.

“Not only have these recipients demonstrated leadership in strengthening community cohesion, but also practical ways for people from varied cultural backgrounds to be actively involved in the Queensland economy and way of life,” she said.

Building on this sentiment, Member for Mackay Nigel Dalton described the initiative as a “tremendous opportunity” for local youth.

“$46,000 will be put towards facilitating a basketball training regime for young people aged 15 to 25,” Mr Dalton said.

“Sport is so important for not only youth development, but for fostering social cohesion, promoting inclusivity, and building bridges between those from diverse backgrounds, increasing positive social and health outcomes.”

He said the program would promote multiculturalism, fitness, and inclusion while building teams that could compete locally and beyond.

“The wider benefits will be that the youngsters, hopefully, will go on to form teams that can compete in competitions. Some of those competitions will be local, and some may be further afield.

“The funding will also allow them to get uniforms, any equipment they need for training, and maybe even bring in some specialist coaches.”

First Nations Coordinator at PCYC Mackay, Patrick Thaiday, said the program aligns closely with what local families have cherished for generations.

“Basketball is something they’ve connected with from an early age.

“I remember playing basketball with family—it’s a great way to unite the community,” Mr Thaiday said.

“Without something like this, there wouldn’t be many opportunities for these kids to come together.”

Mr Dalton further noted that this program would strengthen a vital community.

“The South Sea Islander community is an important part of our local area.

“The Australian Bureau of Statistics suggests there are about four to five thousand South Islanders in Queensland, and around three and a half to four thousand of those live right here in Mackay.

“About 30% of all South Islanders in Queensland are under 25 or 30 years old.

“So we’ve got a large number of young people who are really keen to get out there, show their sporting prowess, and hopefully progress into a fantastic basketball career.”

To explore the full list of projects and learn more, visit www.tatsipca.qld.gov.au/smq-program.

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A new youth basketball program in Mackay, funded by the Queensland Government’s Strengthening Multicultural Queensland (SMQ) program, will support over 130 young South Sea Islanders in developing their skills and building community ties through sport. Photo credit: Hannah McNamara

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