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Founded just over a year ago, Y Streetball at the at North Melbourne Community Centre has grown into an acclaimed community program for people of all ages and from all walks of life - including those who are experiencing homelessness or some form of disadvantage.

Receiving the Innovative Program Award at the Aquatics and Recreation Victoria (ARV) 2018 last month, during the year the program was featured in The Age which resulted in an anonymous donation of $1,000, plus shoes and a $9,500 donation from Nike.

Conceived by two friends, Dave Gunstone and Peter Abraham, Y Streetball, which takes place every Tuesday at 4pm, sees participants come together to play basketball, socialise and have a meal together.

As Gunstone explains “so much has happened with Y Streetball in the past year. We’ve received a lot of support from the community, which has allowed us to continue and grow the program.”

However, with Abrahams relocating to Canberra in April, Gunstone has faced challenges.

The two formed a strong friendship over the course of the program and Gunstone believes the program wouldn’t be where it is without Abraham’s help. But, Dave stepped up into his role as a leader and continues to run the program every Tuesday without fail.

Abrahams was able to return to Melbourne on 15th June for the ARV Gala Awards, with Gunstone explaining “the ARV Awards were incredible. I didn’t think we had a shot, there were so many other amazing programs up for nomination.

“I wouldn’t have gone without Peter by my side, it would’ve felt wrong. We started this thing together and I know he still cares about the program – he gets homesick every Tuesday afternoon when we play.”

Streetball also received one of the most highly regarded awards at the YMCA Victoria Staff and Volunteer Awards held in November 2017, an event that recognises programs and people at the Y who go above and beyond for their communities across Victoria.

For the future, Gunstone will continue to run Y Streetball and occasionally throw a barbeque for the participants out the front of the centre. He also hopes to increase community involvement by potentially inviting the local police department or fire-brigade down to play a game against the Y Streetball team.

Images:  Y Streetball participants at the North Melbourne Community Centre (top) and Julian Balthazaar (Centre Manager, North Melbourne Community Centre), Peter Abraham and Dave Gunstone with their award for Innovative Program of the Year at the ARV Gala Awards. 

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