The Deputy Prime Minister and Member for New England Barnaby Joyce congratulated the Tamworth Local Aboriginal Land Council on its success for receiving a grant of $126,990 for its Midnight Basketball Programme.

Mr Joyce said the funding, under the Federal Government’s Indigenous Advancement Strategy, helped develop among the basketballers Youth Codes of Conduct, and having a good understanding of the programme and its objectives.

“The basketballers will also get involved with examples of team building as well bush kids’ first aid, which provide players with practical knowledge and skills for emergency first aid, including hands-only CPR and other first aid situations commonly encountered by rural young people,” Mr Joyce said. 

“This is a clear sign of delivery for our Electorate. We have a plan for the future of our children and grandchildren. We want to make sure we deliver for the future because that is the only place we’re all going to be living.”

Tamworth Aboriginal Land Council Chief Executive Officer, Fiona Snape said the funding announcement was a last minute stay for the Programme and would also ensure the appointment of a full-time coordinator.

“Our motto is ‘no workshop, no jump-shot’,” Ms Snape said.

She said workshops with children in the Programme included counselling on drugs and alcohol abuse, career-planning and nutrition.

“We had 87 children in Midnight Basketball last term with the grand-final just last month.”

“This is a terrific programme the gets children involved with team sport, playing in a safe environment, where they are supported and encouraged,” Ms Snape said.