Pauly Vandenbergh

Pauly is a proud Wirangu and Kokatha man from South Australia’s Far West Coast, whose journey has been shaped by a deep passion for empowering young people, particularly Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander youth. Growing up in the remote regions of South Australia ignited a commitment within him to make a lasting impact on the lives of others.

From a young age, Pauly embraced the power of sport and education. Despite the distance from his hometown to Adelaide, he pursued his dreams in basketball, eventually achieving a professional career in the National Basketball League (NBL) with the Canberra Cannons. But his ambitions stretched far beyond the court. During his sporting career, Pauly was also deeply involved in Aboriginal Affairs, setting the foundation for a future of leadership and advocacy.

After his athletic career, Pauly dedicated over 16 years to various government roles across health, housing, and education, including managing South Australia’s Aboriginal Community Housing program. His leadership journey continued at Power Community, (the Community arm of the Port Adelaide Football Club) where he elevated the Indigenous programs to become the gold standard for youth engagement in Australia’s professional sports industry.

In 2021, Pauly was appointed National Diversity Talent Manager for the AFL, a testament to his influence and leadership in promoting Aboriginal engagement and well-being. Alongside this, Pauly co-founded the Tjindu Foundation and founded the Aboriginal Basketball Academy, further empowering Aboriginal youth through education, sport, and cultural pride.

But Pauly’s vision doesn’t stop there. His most recent ventures, Munda Wines and Wanna Mar Produce, are expressions of his belief in the fusion of Aboriginal traditions with contemporary business. Munda Wines serves as a global platform to share stories of Aboriginal land, culture, and people through the medium of wine, while Wanna Mar Produce extends this philosophy, highlighting the role of Aboriginal agricultural practices in fostering sustainability and community resilience.

Pauly’s work is driven by his dedication to long-term, positive outcomes for Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people, promoting self-determination, pride in culture, and the creation of inclusive opportunities. His vision is for a ‘third space’—a place where non-Indigenous Australians fully embrace Aboriginal culture, leading to a future where reconciliation and unity are not just ideals but lived realities.

Through his leadership in sport, business, and community initiatives, Pauly is building bridges between cultures, shaping a future where all Australians walk together with pride and shared understanding.