News

Camberwell Basketball is excited to announce that two-time National Basketball League champion Andrew Parkinson and world-class Disability Extreme Athlete Bobby Bajram headline our list of guest speakers for Mental Health Awareness Week (April 26-May 2).

Both will present at the Balwyn Community Centre on Thursday, April 30 (from 7pm-8.30pm).

About Andrew Parkinson

Andrew won two NBL championships with South East Melbourne Magic playing for head coach Brian Goorjian and is remembered as one of the most lethal three-point shooters in league history. He recently participated in the Legends of Basketball Game for Bowel Cancer at the State Basketball Centre in Melbourne.

Andrew has faced significant health challenges in recent years and will speak openly about his inspiring journey in a wide-ranging and revealing presentation that will cover his playing days, his own battle with cancer, dealing with adversity, staying connected, and what it means to be part of a very special community.

For more about Andrew’s story, click HERE.

About Bobby Bajram

Bobby Bajram was just 13 years old when he was diagnosed with Multiple sclerosis, a condition that would leave him legally blind, reliant on mobility aids and facing immense physical and emotional challenges. More than four decades later, he has scaled some of the world’s highest mountains and is now in training to climb Mount Everest in 2027.

Bobby’s story is one of extraordinary courage, determination and defying the odds. His presentation will cover passion and purpose, resilience, staying positive through tough times and what’s driving him to “walk to the top of the world and see the blue sky”.

Bobby is a great friend of the Camberwell Basketball program and was recently introduced as an ambassador of the Dragons. For more about his story, visit his website HERE.

About This Event

Who: Guest speakers Andrew Parkinson and Bobby Bajram

What: Session 2 of Camberwell Basketball’s Inaugural Mental Health Awareness Week (April 26-May 2)

Where: Balwyn Community Centre (function centre), 412 Whitehorse Road, Surrey Hills

When: Thursday, April 30, 2026, 7pm-8.30pm

Who’s Invited: This event is for players competing at Under 16 level and above for/and in Camberwell Basketball teams and competitions, coaches, referees, administrators, partners and their families/guardians. Camberwell Basketball teams include those competing in the Dragons junior and senior programs and the Community Basketball League.

Register: Seating for this event will be limited, so please register one additional family member/guardian only if accompanying an attendee under 18 years of age. To register, email Andrew Johnstone at [email protected] with the names of those attending, the Dragons team and / or CBL team you’re associated with and your contact details. Registration for this event must close on Friday, April 24.

• Please note that Session 1 of our Mental Health Awareness Week will be held in the Camberwell Room at Camberwell Grammar School on Monday, April 27, from 7pm-8.30pm. Details about this session will be announced shortly.

• Through our inaugural Mental Health Awareness Week, Camberwell Basketball is working to shine a light on an important issue that impacts so many lives in our community. If you have a particular interest in this space and would like to help coordinate activities throughout the week and / or share your own personal story, please email Andrew Johnstone at [email protected] or call 0425 791 610.