“NAIDOC Week helps to bridge gaps and foster a sense of belonging for all Australians.”

This week is National NAIDOC Week (National Aborigines and Islanders Day Observance Committee), which celebrates the history, culture and achievements of Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander peoples. This year’s theme is, ‘For Our Elders.’ Across every generation, Elders have played, and continue to play, an important role and hold a prominent place within Indigenous communities and families. Ryan Morich, a Whadjuk Nyoongar man and WAIS wheelchair basketball scholarship holder, has a rich family history of Elders that derive from the Perth region.

“I am Whadjuk Nyoongar, as my family’s history is all here in Perth. My family name actually used to be Moorich, but changed to Morich during the stolen generations when my Pop was a kid.”

“On my grandmother’s side, my family name is Williams, so I have an extensive family network throughout Western Australia.”

“My roots go fairly deep here in Perth, which would be a lot of the reason why I can’t stay away from home too long.”

At the age of 12, Ryan was diagnosed with a rare bone cancer called Ewing’s Sarcoma and his leg from below his knee was amputated.

“I was introduced to wheelchair basketball in 2006, while I was in hospital after losing my leg. Prior to this I was an avid footy player, and I found wheelchair basketball to be the closest possible thing to a contact sport so I decided it was what I wanted to pursue.”

“I started playing in 2008 and I haven’t looked back since… it has been an incredible journey that, despite closing some doors, has opened others I never expected.”

The talented athlete has represented Australia, secured back-to-back Collegiate National Championships with the University of America and was awarded 2015 NAIDOC Sportsperson of the Year as well as the 2017 Young West Australian of the Year. Ryan’s list of achievements doesn’t end there, as he also continues to inspire those around him with his leadership within the Red Dust Heelers (RDH) program. The RDH program drives the disability inclusion arm of Outback Academy Australia, with team members being Aboriginal and other Australians with disability. They are leaders and advocates for greater inclusion in all areas of life.

“Being part of the Red Dust Heelers has been an incredible experience. I love the opportunity it provides to take wheelchair basketball to communities across Australia that might not otherwise have access to the sport.”

“It’s cool seeing kids and adults alike, giving it a go. Being a captain has been an eye-opener for me; I never envisioned myself as a leader, so it has been a journey of learning and growth.”

“I’ll always be looking to encourage those who need it and showcasing my disability to support the people that might not feel comfortable showing off theirs.”

The RDH program is about encouraging awareness, facilitating open discussion about disability and providing a voice to those who don’t feel heard.

“NAIDOC Week is very important to me for similar reasons – cultural visibility and recognition.”

“I think celebrating culture and supporting other cultures is an important part of being human. Through cultural exchange, storytelling, and community activities, NAIDOC Week helps to bridge gaps and foster a sense of belonging for all Australians.”

With aspirations to make the Paralympic Wheelchair Basketball squad, the rest of the year will be busy for Ryan as he balances training, competitions and working in Business Intelligence at the Department of Finance.