Meet Joel Khalu

Founder

Joel Khalu, a proud North Queenslander, was born in Gimuy (Cairns) and raised on Yidinji Country in the city’s south. Coming from a richly diverse and multicultural background, Joel traces his heritage to 15 distinct ethnic origins from around the globe.

His early work career took him into remote Indigenous communities across Cape York and the Torres Strait. In 2006, Joel founded the Hoop Dreaming Project, a visionary initiative that used basketball as a vehicle to support and empower young people in areas such as education, employment and health.

Initially launched under the National Community Crime Prevention Programme, the Hoop Dreaming Project gained national recognition for its creative, community-driven approaches to addressing youth and social challenges in Far North Queensland.

Through dynamic events and grassroots activations, the project integrated mentorship and role models to promote active, healthy and crime-free lifestyles. At its core, the HDP aimed to inspire young people to set meaningful goals, develop pride in their communities and build essential character traits like resilience, integrity and self-respect.

Although the Hoop Dreaming Project wrapped up in 2009, Joel has continued to support and uplift others through a range of professional and volunteer roles over the past 15 years.

Today, he brings a broad and adaptable skill set to Hoop Dreaming, delivering tailored services to businesses, government agencies, community groups, NGOs, individuals and sports organisations.

"A true leader inspires thought, uplifts the spirit and invites others to walk beside them."

- JOEL KHALU

 Leadership.

• FIBA International Coach & Presenter - Member of the World Association of Basketball Coaches.

• Assistant Coach, Illawarra Hawks – Helped secure the 2025 NBL Championship following a 2024 semi-final appearance.

• Head Coach, Mackay Meteors – Led the team to NBL1 North titles in 2024 and 2021, the 2020 CQ Cup, the 2015 QBL Championship and a runner-up finish in 2014.

• Assistant Coach, Australian Emus – Coached the junior national team to 6th place at the 2025 FIBA U19 World Cup (Switzerland) and Gold at the 2024 FIBA U18 Asia Cup (Jordan) & 2023 FIBA U17 Oceania Championships (PNG).

• Head Coach, Jr. NBA Asia-Pacific Team – Led the team and served as Lead Coach at the 2022 & 2023 Jr. NBA Camps in Australia.

• Coach, NBA & FIBA Basketball Without Borders Asia (2022) – Participated in elite development camp held in Canberra, Australia.

• Head Coach, Papua New Guinea Men’s National Team (2013–2019) – Captured Gold at the 2017 FIBA Melanesia Cup; placed 4th at the 2015 and 2019 FIBA Pacific Games.

• Head Coach, Australian Indigenous Men’s National Team (2014–2019) – Achieved wins at the 2019 International Indigenous Showcase and four consecutive Trans-Tasman Series (2015–2018).

• Head Coach, Queensland U20 Men’s Team (2013-2014 & 2022-2023) – Won Gold at the 2022 Australian Junior Championships and Silver in 2014.