Bigger Than Basketball: KBA Takes On the Riverside Markets
Belinda Smith, Key Community Group & Meghan Kemp, Kempsey Basketball Association
A new fundraising stream, and a youth employment pathway for local young people.
Kempsey Basketball Association will take over management of the Kempsey Riverside Markets following the September market, in what is one of the Association's biggest announcements in recent years.
The markets will become an important part of KBA's fundraising strategy, with income helping the Association work towards its long-term goal of better basketball facilities in Kempsey. But the opportunity is bigger than fundraising.
Real jobs for local young people
KBA also plans to use the markets to establish a youth employment pathway, giving local young people practical experience across:
Administration
Promotion and social media
Event operations
Set-up and logistics
It is exactly the type of initiative we want KBA to be known for: creating opportunities for young people, contributing to our community, and finding sustainable ways to grow basketball in Kempsey.
Why this matters
"What we are building at KBA is bigger than just basketball. It is about creating opportunities for our young people, strengthening our community and giving local families something positive to be part of and proud of."
Meg Kemp, President, Kempsey Basketball Association
Every dollar raised at the markets goes back into basketball in Kempsey — keeping fees affordable for families, and building towards courts of our own.
We need a hand to make it work
Opportunities like this only work if the community gets behind them. We cannot create more programs, more employment opportunities, better facilities and cheaper basketball while expecting the same five or ten people to do all of the work.
There are lots of ways to help at the markets:
Setting up or packing down
Helping on the KBA stall
Baking something for the stall
Supporting the young people in the employment program
You do not need experience, and helping once does not sign you up forever. Pick one thing that works for your family.
Put your hand up: kempseybasketball.com.au/volunteering
Or message the club: 0456 187 753
When it starts
The Riverside Markets run on the first Saturday of every month.