The Albanese Labor Government is investing an additional $2 million to extend the successful Hoops for Wealth program, extending access to financial capability support for people experiencing financial vulnerability in the Northern Territory.
Hoops for Wealth, delivered in partnership by Hoops for Health and the Brotherhood of St. Laurence provides practical, culturally informed financial education sessions focused on everyday issues such as banking, superannuation, scams, debt and gambling.
Sessions are delivered face-to-face, in language, and designed around local cultural knowledge and priorities. The program combines practical tools with community leadership and shared learning.
More than 250 participants have already completed the program, with up to a further 400 people expected to participate thanks to this additional funding.
Hoops for Wealth is one of several community-led financial education and capability programs supported by the Australian Government in the Northern Territory. These programs are part of the Government’s broader commitment to improving financial wellbeing and access to support, particularly in remote and regional communities.
More information about the Hoops for Wealth program is available on the Hoops for Wealth website.
More information about financial counselling and capability services is available on the Department of Social Services website.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Social Services, Tanya Plibersek:
“Hoops for Wealth is about giving people access to practical information and support they can use in their everyday lives.
“Participants tell us they’re better able to plan ahead, saving for family needs or exciting times like Christmas, as well as managing costs between payments, and avoiding financial traps like scams and high-interest debt.
“By backing community-led programs like this, we’re supporting people to build financial capability in ways that respect culture, language and local knowledge – and that lasts.
Quotes attributable to the Minister for Indigenous Australians, Malarndirri McCarthy:
“This investment will ensure more First Nations Territorians get access to practical, culturally informed support.
“Strengthening financial capability is essential to improving the financial wellbeing of individuals, families and communities.”
Quotes attributable to the Member for Lingiari, Marion Scrymgour:
“Aboriginal Territorians walk in two worlds and navigating financial institutions can often feel confusing or daunting. Programs like Hoops for Wealth help people to understand the current risks of scams but also helps them save for their family’s future.
“Delivering financial advice in a culturally responsive manner means we have a greater chance of building financial literacy for Aboriginal Territorians and reduces the risk of them falling prey to financial traps.”
Quotes Attributable to the Member for Solomon, Luke Gosling OAM MP:
“I’ve seen firsthand the work Timmy Duggan and the Hoops for Health team are doing right across Darwin, Palmerston and further afield using sport to connect with young people and build real confidence and life skills.
"This is about locals sitting down together, having straight conversations about money and life, and building the kind of confidence that carries through to stronger families and communities.”
Quotes attributable to Timmy Duggan, CEO and Founder of Hoops 4 Health
“This further funding for Hoops 4 Wealth recognises what works. First Nations‑led, culturally responsive programs deliver real results. This investment will ensure communities across the Northern Territory can keep building financial capability, confidence and economic self‑determination,”
Quotes attributable to Travers McLeod, Executive Director of the Brotherhood of St. Laurence
“As a supporting partner, the Brotherhood of St. Laurence welcomes this additional funding for Hoops 4 Wealth — a First Nations‑led program showing real promise in the Northern Territory. Continued investment will help strengthen financial capability, resilience and economic opportunity for people and communities.”