Basketball Queensland (BQ) is pleased to announce the extension of its partnership with White Cloud Foundation (WCF), reinforcing its commitment to supporting the mental health and well-being of players, coaches, officials, and families across the state.

The renewed agreement officially commenced on 1st February 2025 and will run until 1st February 2027. As part of the partnership, all BQ members will continue to receive free access to White Cloud’s Tele-Mental Health Service, which provides professional mental health support to individuals experiencing mild to moderate mental health concerns.

White Cloud Foundation’s Tele-Mental Health Service offers multidisciplinary treatment, including access to psychologists, social workers, counsellors, dietitians, and exercise physiologists. The service is designed to remove barriers to mental health care, allowing individuals to seek support without the need for a referral or diagnosis.

This initiative strengthens BQ’s dedication to holistic player well-being, ensuring that mental health support remains accessible to the basketball community.

In 2023-24, White Cloud Foundation supported nearly 3,000 Australians, including 469 individuals through its Tele-Mental Health Service, with each person receiving an average of 3.4 clinical sessions. The service has been particularly effective in bridging the gap for those in the "missing middle"—individuals experiencing mental health struggles who are not in crisis but need timely intervention.

WCF also made a significant impact through its Meals for Mums initiative, delivering over 40,000 meals to 2,368 mothers and families facing perinatal depression and anxiety. With referrals increasing by 28.4%, the foundation’s efforts have been instrumental in alleviating financial stress and providing essential nourishment to vulnerable new mothers.

BQ’s Commercial and Marketing Manager, Lachlan Nuttall, highlighted the importance of extending the partnership.

“We recognise that mental health is just as vital as physical fitness in sport. Extending this partnership with White Cloud Foundation means that our players, coaches, and families will continue to have access to high-quality mental health support whenever they need it.”

“The work WCF has done in the past year, particularly in reaching athletes, young people, and families, has been outstanding. We’re proud to continue working together to prioritise well-being both on and off the court,” said Nuttall.

White Cloud Foundation’s Founder and Chairman, Professor Adam Scott, echoed the enthusiasm for the renewed partnership.

“Basketball Queensland continues to demonstrate outstanding leadership in prioritising the mental well-being of its community. By extending this partnership, BQ is ensuring that players, coaches, officials, and families have ongoing access to vital mental health support through White Cloud’s Tele-Mental Health Service."

"We are proud to work alongside an organisation so committed to holistic player care, both on and off the court,” said Professor Scott.

As part of the agreement, WCF will remain BQ’s official "Mental Health Partner" and will be the major partner of the NBL1 North Mental Health Round each year.

With White Cloud Foundation set to apply for accreditation under the National Safety & Quality Digital Mental Health Standards in 2025, the organisation is poised for even greater impact in the coming years.

This partnership reaffirms Basketball Queensland’s commitment to fostering a mentally resilient basketball community and ensuring that all members receive the support they need to thrive.

For more information on White Cloud Foundation’s services and how to access support, visit www.whitecloudfoundation.org.