The Collingwood Basketball Association is pleased to welcome Chol Dut as our new Community Engagement Officer.
Chol joins CBA through the VicHealth funded Growing Healthy Communities project, which is helping the association strengthen connections with multicultural communities, create new participation opportunities, and build more culturally safe and inclusive basketball environments.
A respected basketball coach, mentor and community leader, Chol brings extensive experience working with young people and families from multicultural backgrounds. Through his coaching, community programs, tournaments and youth development initiatives, he has built strong relationships across Melbourne’s diverse communities and developed a reputation as a trusted mentor and advocate for young people.
In his new role, Chol will work alongside community members, local organisations, schools, volunteers and stakeholders to help shape programs that reflect community needs and experiences. He will also support CBA staff and volunteers to continue building cultural understanding and capability across the organisation.
Chol said he was excited to commence the role and contribute to the future of basketball in the local community.
“I’m incredibly excited to begin my new role as Community Engagement Officer at CBA. Basketball has given me so much throughout my life, and I’m grateful for the opportunity to give back by helping strengthen connections, create opportunities, and make a positive impact within the community. I look forward to working alongside players, families, volunteers, and stakeholders to continue growing the game and ensuring everyone feels welcomed and valued through basketball.”
CBA General Manager Shaun McEachin said the appointment represented an important step in delivering the association’s strategic vision.
“The appointment of Chol is a significant milestone for Collingwood Basketball Association and an important outcome of our VicHealth Growing Healthy Communities project.
This funding has provided us with the opportunity to invest directly in community engagement and create a dedicated role focused on building stronger relationships with multicultural communities, reducing barriers to participation, and ensuring more young people feel connected through basketball.
Chol brings lived experience, strong community connections and a genuine passion for supporting young people. His appointment aligns directly with the objectives of our ‘All Stars, One Community’ Strategic Plan and reinforces our commitment to creating a basketball community where everyone feels they belong.
We are excited to welcome Chol into the CBA front office and look forward to the positive impact he will have across our association and broader community.”
The appointment is one of several upcoming additions to the CBA team as the association continues to strengthen its organisational capability and position itself to deliver on the ambitions of the 2026 – 2029 Strategic Plan.
Through the ‘All Stars, One Community’ vision, CBA is focused on growing participation, strengthening development pathways, building sustainable operations, and creating welcoming environments where all members of the community can connect, belong and thrive through basketball.
Chol will commence in the role from Monday July 6.