SWAG workshop facilitators and participants on one of their cultural walks.
Indigenous job seekers from across the district converged on Deniliquin last week to learn some new confidence building skills through a unique basketball-based program.
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APM Employment Services partnered with the Bruton Basketball Foundation (BBF) to host the dynamic program focusing on communication, teamwork and goal-setting, for the First Nations community.
Held in Deniliquin and also involving APM clients from Finley, Hay and Wagga, it was led by NBL legend Cal Bruton and his son, fellow basketballer and APM employee, Austin.
The program is based on the Brutons’ SWAG concept - which stands for skill set, work ethic, attitude is your altitude, and goals - and designed to bring fresh opportunities to local Indigenous communities.
Born in the US, Cal played 250 NBL games, including a championship, and has experience in coaching as well, showing experience with leadership and mentoring, which he was able to pass on to the community.
“I don’t call it work, it’s fun,” said Cal, who revealed the Deni workshop was the largest of six he’s held across the country so far.
“Deni rocked the house off!”
The event also featured a cultural walk and allowed individuals to express themselves through a yarning circle.
The workshops gave participants basketball skills that are transferable into everyday life and the workplace.
Austin is the national diversity and inclusion coordinator at APM, and described the event as, “a fun interactive environment, about coming together and knowing you’re not alone”.
The event also featured a kids' basketball clinic in Deniliquin, attended by about 80 children.
The graduates and facilitators of the SWAG workshop in Deniliquin last week.
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