Telethon 2025 beneficiaries: Binar Futures’ health initiative gives kids access to critical health checks

Binar Futures is going above and beyond to help close the gap in Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander outcomes through an innovative health initiative.

Best known for its popular basketball tournaments, the non-profit runs programs across sport, culture, youth leadership and development.

Binar Futures expanded that reach into health last year with its first round of the Binar Health Embassy.

Designed to promote health and wellbeing among First Nations young people, the embassy initiative was underpinned by the importance of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people having genuine input into health strategy and promotion.

Binar Futures engaged with several Aboriginal community-controlled health organisations, Respiratory Care WA, St John of God Health Care, MDA National and more to provide access to critical health checks at Binar tournaments in a culturally safe environment.

Participants were given a “health passport” that was stamped at each health station they visited for checks, including blood pressure, haemoglobin, blood sugar, skin, hearing and lung function, earning them a Binar shirt and a basketball once complete.

The successful initiative saw more than 3000 health checks conducted in 2024, with Binar Health Embassies reaching 823 children across four locations and identifying almost 100 issues requiring further attention.

Engaging with local Aboriginal medical services provided opportunity for any required follow-ups.

Driven by a desire for all kids to have access to pre-emptive health checks, Binar Futures chair and Perth Wildcats great Andrew Vlahov said everyone at Binar Futures believes the health embassy is “a great innovation”.

“The health embassies are creating a platform for communities to access health resources, foster greater knowledge, and drive change from within,” he said.

“We are excited to see the continued growth of this initiative and its long-term benefits for our communities.”

The embassy has already ticked off the Great Southern Basketball Carnival in Albany for 2025, and will hit Bunbury in April, Perth in July as part of a new NAIDOC tournament, and Broome in October.

With Telethon’s support, Binar Futures aims to expand its Health Embassy initiative, integrating free medical check-ups, health education, and mental wellbeing support alongside their basketball tournaments and regional camps in two new locations in the Kimberley and Pilbara.

How You Helped Binar Futures

Impact Reach:

823 participants in Binar Health Embassies in 2024.

Direct Outcomes:

3000+ health checks conducted, including blood pressure, haemoglobin, blood sugar, hearing, skin & lung function.

96 issues flagged for follow up.

Personal Connection:

“The health embassies are creating a platform for communities to access health resources, foster greater knowledge, and drive change from within.” Binar Futures chair and Perth Wildcats great Andrew Vlahov.