THE Swan Chamber of Commerce is hosting its final Hour of Power in November, featuring community representatives in sports and media arenas.

Binar Futures founder and recipient of the sports father of the year award Adam Desmond will be a guest speaker at this month’s event.

Mr Desmond first started his Binar Futures basketball team 15 years ago, in the hopes of introducing young people to the world of sports and opening doors to a brighter future.

Winning the sports father of the year award in 2024, Mr Desmond was recognised for his extraordinary dedication to transforming the lives of over 2,000 primarily Aboriginal children across Perth.

“Sport is great for everyone, it brings communities together and teaches kids life lessons,” he said.

“(It) also provides a bit of a safe space where kids can let go of everything else happening in their lives and just focus on what they’re doing on the basketball court.”

Binar’s mission at a larger scale (Echo News, January 17) reported Mr Desmond’s Binar Futures program had received a state boost enabling more facilities to accommodate the community’s young people.

The facility would include a Hall of Fame that was created by the community including not only athletes but community leaders, Elders, activists or academics that inspired the facility’s patrons.

Joining him on stage is Echo News journalist Guanhao Cheng who reports on the communities of Midland, Kalamunda, Mundaring and the Avon Valley.

A Curtin University graduate in Journalism and Creative Writing, Mr Cheng has brought his journalism experience to the area.

“I’m honoured to be offered the stage to tell my story as a journalist who covers the issues that impact our communities,” he said.

“It is humbling to share a stage with Adam Desmond who has created so many opportunities for children through his work.

“I’m excited to share my journey, my personal connection to Midland and how that shaped me, and speak on what it means to serve the community through storytelling.”

The event will be held at the Crooked Spire in Midland and will start at 10.30am on November 12.