Taipans Champion Inclusion Through ‘Play with Pride’

The Kenfrost Homes Cairns Taipans proudly endorse the launch of the Cairns Spectres Pride Basketball team, supporting Spectres Australia and Team Rainbow in fostering an inclusive and welcoming basketball community across Far North Queensland.

The initiative, taking place on 7-8 February 2026, will host a community lunch and presentation which aims to encourage participation in basketball within a safe environment and drive the establishment of a new Cairns Spectres Pride Basketball team.

Taipans CEO Mark Beecroft said the club recognises the value of programs that foster inclusion and meaningful community connection.

“This is an exciting development for basketball participation in Far North Queensland,” Beecroft said.

“We love that this will create opportunities for more of our community to play basketball and provide them with a space that fosters respect and safety.

“Supporting an inclusive environment reflects the true reach of the Taipans, beyond game day and into everyday life and social spaces.”

On Saturday 7 February, Spectres Australia will host a public talk at The Woolshed from 12pm.

Spectres Australia representatives Andrew Bondini and Barb Kirby will share their vision for bringing an official Spectres team to Far North Queensland.

This will be followed by a ‘Play with Pride’ Open Day on Sunday 8 February at Cairns Basketball, offering locals (including beginners) the chance to experience basketball in a welcoming environment.

Taipans head coach Adam Forde said the initiative was an important step in creating safe, welcoming pathways into basketball for everyone in Far North Queensland.

"Great initiative, and it’s really good that it’s now up here in Cairns," Forde said.

"I started out in the junior programs. My first real coaching opportunity was through Basketball WA as a high-performance coach and I dealt with a lot of juniors in that space. Even at the grassroots level, you see the opportunities that are presented to some kids and others who shy away and there wasn’t really an avenue for them to connect with or reach out.

"Fifteen years later, there’s so much in place now with organisations such as Spectres Australia and the awareness through NBL programs. There are avenues there and people you can talk to and you don’t have to feel isolated or alone. Anything we can do at this level, we endorse and want to be a part of."

The Taipans note the alignment between the initiative and the broader values reflected through the NBL’s Pride Round.

All community members, supporters and families are warmly invited to attend.

Team Rainbow David Schacht said Play with Pride Cairns represents more than just a sporting initiative.

"It's a community-wide commitment to acceptance that addresses real barriers faced by marginalised groups,” he said.

“The program’s focus on creating safe spaces has particular significance in regional areas where LGBTQIA+ individuals may have limited access to supportive communities.”

Spectres Australia founder and CEO Andrew Bondini has seen the success of Spectres basketball teams across the country.

“Creating a Cairns Spectres team is about providing real connection, visibility and gives people a place where they can play, belong and be themselves.”