Hoops 4 weALTH

Hoops 4 Wealth is a culturally grounded program combining First Nations leadership, neuroscience and financial wellbeing to build confidence, resilience and financial independence. Delivered in partnership with the Brotherhood of St Laurence, H4W goes beyond financial literacy to support self-discovery, connection and community growth.

What the Program Delivers

Our strengths-based model integrates practical financial tools with cultural values, covering essential topics such as:

Smart Money Management: Navigating banking, superannuation, and government systems.
Protection & Security: Identifying scams, managing debt, and understanding gambling risks.
Culturally Grounded Budgeting: Balancing modern financial needs with traditional obligations, humbug practices, and extended family budgeting.
Interactive Learning: Using activity mats, games, and the H4W Money Journal to make learning engaging and accessible.

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

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.

A Space for Healing and Growth

Every session begins with the "calmness circle," integrating basketball and movement to build trust and teamwork. We provide culturally appropriate meals and incentives to support your journey, ensuring that every participant feels valued and empowered.

Whether we are discussing "needs versus wants" or tracing the history of money, our goal is to help you "walk the straight line" toward your goals.

Real Impact, Real Stories

"The money that I get now, it’s lasted me two weeks... Before it only lasted me three or four days. I’m budgeting now and I’m thinking, 'Yeah, I can do this, step by step.' It makes me proud." — H4W Participant

Join the Movement

Hoops 4 Wealth is currently delivered across Darwin and Alice Springs, reaching dozens of communities and language groups. We aren't here to lecture; we are here to have a conversation about how we can do this together.

Are you ready to take the next step?
Look for the Hoops 4 Wealth program at a partner site near you and join a community dedicated to resilience, identity, and a brighter financial future or contact us at admin@hoops4health.org

Where Culture Meets Capability

Navigating money can often feel overwhelming or full of "shame." H4W changes that narrative by creating a safe, non-judgmental space where Aboriginal people talk to Aboriginal people.