Written by Elly Kirlis and Jai Simmons, 2024 BV Rookie Reporter Program
The 2024 Basketball Victoria awards took place last Wednesday night, held at Q events in Melbourne. The evening was presented by the well-known sports commentator Anthony Hudson and celebrated various individual and association achievements, as well as recognised the contributions of many volunteers that helped lead to the many successes Victorian basketball enjoyed in 2023.
Congratulations to Casey Basketball Association who took home Association of the Year award for 2023. Tammy Bower, CEO of Casey shared what it means to the club to accept this award.
"What an incredible honour it is for Casey Basketball to receive this esteemed award. This recognition is a celebration of the collective dedication of our entire community, both on and off the court.
From our players who pour their hearts into every game, to our coaches who inspire and guide them, to our team managers, technical officials, sponsors, parents, members, and families whose unwavering support fuels our success—this achievement belongs to each and every one of them. Without their countless hours of commitment, Casey Basketball would not be in the position it is today.
A special thanks to both the board of management and the staff. Behind the scenes, both of these groups continually go above and beyond to set the strategic direction of the Association and exceed the expectations of these plans to ensure the Association is always working at a high level.
As we accept this award with immense pride, we do so with a pledge to keep striving to help our sport be it’s best.
Congratulations to all our fellow award recipients on their well-deserved accolades."
On the night, we also heard from Mark Watkins, a coach and Manager of Basketball Operations for Kilsyth. Kilsyth were the winners of the Junior Association of The Year and Watkins offered an insightful view into the challenges involved with running a junior basketball association, as well as, what it means to be recognised for the large amount of effort put into associations to ensure their success.
Mark said - “It’s definitely a recognition of all the hard work of the team. Each association and every club in any sport has its volunteers and I’m lucky to be a part of a team of people that are full time workers.”
Seeing the growth of the coaches and players all achieving their goals. It’s not always about championships and gold medals, it’s about seeing them mature and come out as better people...”
“This award for me, is nine years of hard work at the club. To now be recognised as the best association in Victoria is very humbling.”
With many very deserving award winners on the night recognising their achievements from the previous year, taking time to also recognise the many years of service so many people continue to give,highlights their dedication to our sport. In 2023, Basketball Victoria was proud to acknowledge the extraordinary service of three individuals giving over 50 years of support to basketball – Brian Menzies, Lorraine Sexton and Lyndsay Clark. A remarkable achievement and deservedly recognised.
Joining a very special group, we were also pleased to announce the induction of Niall Quinn as a Basketball Victoria Life Member in 2023. With a long resume of service to our sport, notably a pivotal role in the growth and development of both staff and the game of basketball in the VJBL. He was also a key player in the successful rollout of two major rule changes - man to man defence and the 24 second clock that are still utilised in today’s competitions. It was a great opportunity to acknowledge Niall’s service to basketball in Victoria amongst family and friends.
Overall, the night was an incredible success. From acknowledging the individual efforts, to recognising the communal teamwork from right across the state. The night capped off what was a hugely successful 2023 for basketball throughout Victoria.
A full list of all our 2023 Basketball Victoria award winners can be found below.
2023 Basketball Victoria Award Winners
Association of the Year
Casey Basketball Association
Association of the Year - Runners Up
Knox Basketball Inc
Inclusive Basketball Association of The Year
Frankston Basketball Association
Jack Carter Memorial Award
Tammy Bower - Casey Basketball Association
Allan Ashe Memorial Award
Lorraine Sexton - Bulleen-Templestowe Basketball Association
Lindsay Gaze Coach of The Year
Mathew Nunn - Knox Basketball Inc
Eddie Crouch Award - Referee Program of the Year
Pakenham Basketball Association
Henry Perrazo Award- Technical Official of the Year
Chris Reid - Knox Basketball Inc
Junior Program of The Year
Kilsyth Basketball Association
Charles Ryan Wheelchair Athlete of The Year
Jaylen Brown - Warrnambool Basketball Association
Basketball Athlete of the Year with ID (Joint Winners)
Mia Wilson - Casey Basketball Association
Jordi-Ella Groenwegen - Knox Basketball Inc
Betty Watson Medal
Jade Melbourne
Alan Hughes Medal
Dyson Daniels
Female Junior Player of The Year
Sitaya Fagan
Male Junior Player of The Year
Henry Sewell
Life Member Induction
Niall Quinn
Life Member Memorial
Throughout the night a moment of reflection occurred, to honour and remember the life members who we have lost in the past year.
Maurice Pawsey
Gerry Tickell.
Service Awards
The BV Service awards acknowledge the numerous hours, efforts and planning of association members, referees, administrators, coaches and volunteers for either 15, 25, 35 or 50 years of commitment and dedication to our sport and associations.
15 Years Service
Momana Mauitia – Broadmeadows Basketball Association
Robert Malcom – Broadmeadows Basketball Association
Susan Scott – Bulleen-Templestowe Basketball Association
Vicki Turner – Riddells Creek Junior Mixed Basketball Association
25 Years Service
Anita Ollerenshaw – Broadmeadows Basketball Association
Effie Yawaf – Broadmeadows Basketball Association
Janelle McCluskey – Dandenong Basketball Association
Julia Barnett – Broadmeadows Basketball Association
Kim Byrnes – Meeniyan Basketball Association
Shirley Reid – Dandenong Basketball Association
35 Year Gold Service
Kerry Monro – Craigieburn Basketball Association
Denyse Gale – Basketball Victoria
Fiona Whelan – Maffra Basketball Association
Terri Sutton – Keilor Basketball Association
50 Year Diamond Service
Brian Menzies – Colac Basketball Association
Lorraine Sexton – Bulleen-Templestowe Basketball Association
Lyndsay Clark – Bulleen-Templestowe Basketball Association
