Mar
09
2017
STAND TALL BIDWILL TAKES OFF
We are proud of the launch of our Stand Tall programs across Sydney and thought we would take some time to share the story behind the launch of our Stand Tall Bidwill program.
The Stand Tall initiative consists of basketball strength based programs to develop life and leadership skills, using basketball as a means of engagement and providing an impacting experience that inspires young people to set goals and be motivated about their own future. The Stand Tall programs include both on and off court activities including basketball skills & drills and health & well being and active lifestyle education.
After working on several basketball projects in Mt. Druitt during 2016 with the Blacktown Council Community Facilitator and Youth Development Officers as well as the Community Liaison Officer for Chifley College Bidwill Campus, it had come to the attention of Charity Bounce Youth Support Worker, Joshua Sue-See that a recently re-developed basketball court at Bidwill Reserve was not getting the use it deserved.
There was a concern in the community that the court was not a safe place for the young people of the area to play. On visiting the site, Joshua soon found that the site needed a bit of cleaning up before we could launch some programs. Some of the challenges to deal with included 8 melted down wheelie bins, an outdoor court covered in broken bottles, and whispers that the area was commonly used as a place for drug-deals and to consume alcohol.
In December 2016, Joshua went to work with Blacktown Council and some of the amazing people who lived and worked in the area to create a safe atmosphere for the basketball court to be activated again. John the pastor of the Uniting Church which backs onto the basketball court and stores the BBQ for ease of access to the programs, stepped up to support Charity Bounce. Together with local Champion Mekiafa Oli, who is the Community Liaison Officer from Chifley College, they set to work to clean up the court.
Initially starting the Stand Tall program with a weekly sausage sizzle, interactive basketball activities and a desire to inspire positive change the program launched there was an initial handful of young people wondering what all this was about. After a couple of months and the realisation that the playing surface was once again good for use, food was on offer, music was pumping, as well as occasional give away prizes the program grew to engage 34 young people last week in the program.
Word is getting out and our only concern now is making sure there is enough food to go around as we see young people engage on the court once more.
A big thanks to Joshua and Meki for inspiring positive change in Bidwill. If you would like to volunteer for any of our Stand Tall programs send an email to [email protected]
Charity Bounce Youth Worker Joshua and Community Liaison Officer Meki getting their court sweeping skills up to clean the court ready for action.
Meki getting the job done on the BBQ for the Stand Tall program.
Charity Bounce is a not for profit organisation that exists to inspire positive change to overcome disadvantage for individuals and communities. With a focus on Aboriginal or Torres Strait Islanders and Culturally Diverse communities, including newly arrived refugees we aim to move people toward a more positive future through the development of sports, the arts, health, education and employment focused social programs. The programs are delivered in partnership with professional athletes to motivate change and inspire.
