Introduction
At SCS Indigenous (SCSi), we believe commercial success should create lasting community impact. That belief has led to the creation of The Bandum Fund – an initiative established by SCS Indigenous Co-Directors Scott McCartney, a proud Wotjobaluk and Bunurong man, and Nicholas Pastras, Managing Director of SCS Group. Named after the Bunurong word Bandum, meaning “to come together“, the Fund exists to remove financial barriers that can prevent Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people from pursuing opportunities in education, sport, arts, leadership and professional development. Its philosophy is simple:
Talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not always come equally.
Creating opportunities through connection
The Bandum Fund is more than financial assistance. It represents a long-term commitment to creating pathways that empower Aboriginal people to achieve their goals while strengthening families,communities and future generations.
Supported by SCS Group and SCS Indigenous, the Fund reinvests back into community through practical support for opportunities including:
• Education and scholarships
• Sport and recreation
• Arts and culture
• Leadership development
• Professional development
• Community participation
Every investment is designed to remove barriers and create experiences that may otherwise be beyond reach.
Strong bloodlines, Bright futures: Jurrah takes on America
At SCS Indigenous (SCSi), we are proud to support opportunities that empower Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to pursue their dreams, break barriers and create pathways for future generations
Recently, SCS Indigenous had the privilege of supporting Jurrah Penrith on a remarkable journey to the United States as part of the first Aboriginal basketball team to tour the USA and play in front of college scouts. The tour provided an incredible opportunity for talented young Aboriginal athletes to showcase their skills on an international stage, gain valuable exposure and experience the possibilities that sport can create.
For Jurrah, this opportunity was about far more than basketball. It was also about continuing a proud family legacy that stretches back generations.
Jurrah’s great-uncle was the late Kevin Coombs OAM, a true pioneer of Australian sport and Aboriginal representation. Kevin made history as the first Aboriginal person to represent Australia at the Paralympic Games, competing in wheelchair basketball at the 1960 Paralympics in Rome. He went on to represent Australia internationally and became an inspiration for generations of Aboriginal athletes, helping pave the way for those who followed.
Today, that same spirit of determination, resilience and excellence continues through Jurrah.
Watching him take to the court in the United States, representing not only himself but also his family, community and culture, was a powerful reminder of why creating opportunities for young Aboriginal people matters. The connection between generations is unmistakable—from Kevin Coombs breaking barriers on the world stage more than sixty years ago to Jurrah pursuing his own dreams before American college recruiters today.
At SCS Indigenous, we believe that talent exists everywhere, but opportunity does not always come equally. Through initiatives like The Bandum Fund, we are committed to supporting pathways that enable Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander young people to realise their potential and pursue opportunities that may once have seemed out of reach.
Jurrah’s journey demonstrates what is possible when talent, determination, community support and cultural pride come together. His story is one of aspiration, achievement and legacy.
The bloodlines are strong, and the future is bright.
We congratulate Jurrah on this incredible achievement and look forward to following his basketball journey as he continues to inspire the next generation of Aboriginal athletes.
Building opportunities for future generations
Jurrah’s story reflects exactly why the Bandum Fund was created.
Whether supporting a young athlete competing on the world stage, an emerging Aboriginal artist exhibiting internationally, or someone pursuing education or leadership opportunities, the goal remains the same – to remove barriers and create pathways.
Because when opportunity meets talent, extraordinary things can happen.
At SCS Indigenous, we are proud to invest in people, culture and community, creating opportunities that deliver lasting impact for generations to come.
Learn more about The Bandum Fund
Discover how SCS Indigenous is creating opportunities and empowering Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people through education, sport, arts, leadership and community initiatives.
To learn more about the Bandum Fund and the stories behind it, click here or here.
