In 2022, House of Darwin launched Hoop Dreams — a program that refurbishes basketball courts in remote Aboriginal communities around Australia. In many communities, the basketball court is more than just a place to play — it's the epicentre of health, dance, and overall well-being. By transforming these courts with murals created through community collaboration, Hoop Dreams promotes positive health and wellbeing outcomes, encouraging the use of these vibrant, shared spaces.
House of Darwin’s Hoop Dreams program is a community-led initiative focused on revitalising basketball courts in remote and regional communities across Australia.
Since its launch, Hoop Dreams has brought new life to courts in Yirrkala (Arnhem land NT), Gunbalanya (Arnhem Land, NT), Minmarama (Darwin, NT), Barunga (NT) and Wangkatjungka (Kimberly, WA) with each project involving local voices and creative input to reflect the culture and spirit of each place. The program goes beyond aesthetics — it’s about listening, connecting, and building something meaningful with community. This year, House of Darwin partnered with the Melbourne Football Club and the Jim Stynes Foundation to extend the program to Nyirripi (NT), a remote community more than 400 kilometres from Alice Springs. Work is also currently underway in Doomadgee (QLD) and Elcho Island (NT), with plans to continue expanding across the country. Hoop Dreams is a powerful example of how sport and art can come together to create lasting impact — transforming not just physical spaces, but the sense of pride, ownership, and connection within communities.
Hoop Dreams
