About Us



The aim of the Cairns Basketball Inc. Hoop Dreaming Project (H.D.P) is to give Indigenous youth (aged 12-18) a support program which assists them in becoming successful and more knowledgeable in different aspects of life including, their education, employment outlook and health. The H.D.P is a National Community Crime-Prevention program which first began in January, 2007.



The mission of Cairns Basketball Inc. Hoop Dreaming Project, (H.D.P) is to provide Indigenous youth (aged 12-18), a series of meaningful life skill initiatives that are focused on educating, enhancing and enriching their lives. The H.D.P uses both Indigenous & Non-Indigenous Youth Mentors as role-models, and the sport of Basketball as a tool, to deliver and reinforce a positive message of leading healthy, active and crime-free lifestyles. The focus of the H.D.P is to provide a strong framework; helping Indigenous youth make smart, goal-oriented choices, build a sense of community and develop life-long character building traits such as integrity, honesty and self-respect.



*To create opportunities that assist Indigenous young people to lead active lifestyles* *To develop life-long character building traits in Indigenous young people* *To educate Indigenous young people on how to make positive life-choices* *To establish a resource network for Indigenous young people to reference* *To promote reconciliation between Indigenous & Non-Indigenous young people*



The H.D.P is an initiative of Cairns Basketball Incorporated - a not-for-profit organization; and is funded by the National Community Crime Prevention Programme. The H.D.P is based at the Cairns Basketball Complex, centrally located in the administrative offices section. The operation of the H.D.P is conducted by a Project Coordinating Committee, chaired by Joel Khalu - Participation & Indigenous Programs Manager for Cairns Basketball & Director of the Hoop Dreaming Project.



All H.D.P Youth Mentors & volunteers are upstanding, dedicated & honest individuals, who role-model appropriate behaviours and provide a positive influence on children. All H.D.P Youth Mentors & Volunteers have taken part in a working with kid's background check and possess a 'Working With Children Blue Card'. All H.D.P Youth Mentors undertake specific training through professional development activities before engaging in any H.D.P Program.


'Funded by the National Community Crime Prevention Programme, an Australian Government Initiative'