Hoops 4 Wealth

Our program is born from the lived experiences and wisdom of our communities. We tackle the

deep-rooted challenges of financial exclusion, systemic discrimination, and the lack of culturally safe

financial support for First Nations peoples and low-income families across the Northern Territory.

At the heart of Hoops 4 Wealth is the understanding that true financial well-being is inseparable

from emotional strength, cultural connection, and community resilience.

 

Our Purpose

We walk alongside our people to build financial capability and well-being, with a strong focus on First

Nations families. Research shows that when financial learning is grounded in culture and community, the

benefits ripple out—strengthening families, supporting healing, and building futures. By weaving together

financial knowledge, emotional regulation, and workforce skills, Hoops 4 Wealth coaches our

communities to stand strong, proud, and prepared.

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Who We Walk With

• First Nations individuals and families (everyone is welcome)

• People living in Darwin, Alice Springs, and surrounding communities in the Northern Territory

• Urban First Nations communities 

• Adults 18+ (family leaders, young parents, school leavers, jobseekers)

• Income Management recipients

• Referrals to and from financial service providers

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Our Model: Financial Well-being and Emotional Regulation

Our approach is holistic. We honour cultural obligations, support emotional regulation, and help our

people navigate the systems that impact their lives. We talk about money history, needs vs. wants,

navigating government systems, scams, debts, and the importance of both “good humbug”

(sharing and supporting) and protecting against “bad humbug” (unfair demands or exploitation).

We know that financial decisions are deeply connected to our emotional health, family responsibilities,

and cultural values.

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What Makes Hoops 4 Wealth Unique?

• Culturally safe, dynamic, and fun learning experiences

• Healing-centred, trauma-informed, and evidence-based practices, grounded in the Neurosequential 

• Model and First Nations wisdom

• Re-empowerment through knowledge, resources, and strong community connections

• Real success stories from First Nations individuals and communities that are relatable

• Delivered by a First Nations organisation but open to ALL

• A little basketball to engage communities

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Research and Evaluation 

BSL and Hoops 4 Health have co-designed the evaluation approach to support the development of the

H4W program. The evaluation will focus on:

• Gathering insights about how a healing-centred, trauma and culturally informed financial capability-

• building program contributes to building financial resilience and capability

• Documenting short-term outcomes for participants and their communities

• Examining the enablers of and barriers to implementing a healing-centred, trauma and culturally

• informed financial capability-building program

• Understanding how the program can be further adapted and enhanced

For more information go to https://www.bsl.org.au/research/our-research-and-policy-work/projects/hoops-4-wealth/

 

Our Achievements

• 2024 WINNER – Northern Territory Mental Health Awards – Workforce Innovation

• 2023 WINNER – Suicide Prevention Australia – Communities in Action Award

• 2023 WINNER – National Rural Health Pro Awards – Dedication to Health in a Remote Setting

• 2022 WINNER – Australian Men’s Health Forum – Indigenous Health Award