Basketball Queensland is proud to announce a new partnership with Birri Beginnings, who will come on board as an official partner of the Basketball Queensland Indigenous Pathways Program (BQIPP).

The partnership reflects a shared commitment to strengthening opportunities for First Nations athletes across Queensland, with a focus on increasing participation, supporting community engagement and creating meaningful pathways within the sport.

Through this collaboration, Birri Beginnings will support key initiatives within the BQ Indigenous Pathways Program, including community outreach activities and direct support for First Nations athletes to access club basketball and participation opportunities.

The BQIPP continues to play a vital role in connecting with communities across the state, delivering programs that not only introduce the game, but also create ongoing opportunities for athletes to stay involved and progress within basketball.

Basketball Queensland Indigenous Pathways Officer, Simon Taylor, said the partnership will have a strong and immediate impact across the program.

“I’m really excited about this partnership with Carly and Birri Beginnings. It will strengthen opportunities and pathways for First Nations athletes while creating meaningful, lasting connections across our communities.”

Birri Beginnings, a First Nations-led business, is dedicated to empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples through culture, community and opportunity. Birri Beginnings Director Carly Taylor, a Birri Gubba woman living in Naarm, has a strong connection to Queensland through her family and was motivated to support the community of young First Nations athletes across the state.

“For me, this partnership is deeply personal. It’s a way of honouring my father, Errol, who is now in the Dreaming. Dad grew up in Ayr and basketball was a huge passion of his, but financial and logistical barriers meant he couldn’t continue playing. Sadly, that’s still the reality for many First Nations young people today."

"Sport can be such a powerful vehicle to build community, connection and a sense of belonging, all while bringing joy and confidence to young people who need it most. It can also create important pathways into education and employment. That’s what this partnership is all about - creating more opportunities for our young people. I’m incredibly excited to partner with Basketball Queensland on this.”

In addition to supporting participation outcomes, the partnership will be highlighted through storytelling and content across the year, showcasing the impact of the program and the athletes who benefit from it.

Basketball Queensland Commercial and Marketing Manager Lachlan Nuttall said the partnership represents an important step in continuing to grow the game in an inclusive and meaningful way.

“Partnerships like this allow us to directly support athletes and communities, while building something that has a genuine and visible impact. The work Simon and the Indigenous Pathways Program are doing across Queensland is incredibly powerful, and this support from Birri Beginnings helps us continue to grow that reach.”

Basketball Queensland looks forward to working closely with Birri Beginnings and the Indigenous Pathways Program to deliver positive outcomes for First Nations athletes and communities across the state.