Authors: Kym West & Stuart Wai
Victorian basketball has the most dedicated and amazing volunteer network that supports our athletes both on and off the court, and National Volunteer Week gives us the perfect opportunity to recognise and thank the extraordinary individuals who selflessly dedicate their time to our sport.
Our volunteers are the true foundation of our sport. Without their tireless efforts, courts would fall silent, and young ballers wouldn’t be able to play the sport they love.
What many basketball fans don't realise is the sheer scale of this volunteer army. An incredible 109,836 game day volunteers kept Victorian basketball running last year. This remarkable figure doesn't even account for the hundreds more who contributed behind the scenes throughout the week. With an astounding 424,219 domestic games played across the state weekly, it's these volunteers who make such widespread participation possible.
Photographer: Brent Sproule
Throughout Victoria, from Mildura to Gippsland, and every court in between, volunteers transform basketball into something far greater than a game. They're the first to arrive and the last to leave, ensuring uniforms are available, the rings are pulled down and the courts are safe to play on.
These community heroes tend to wear many hats, from developing coaching strategies for eager teams, meticulously recording every play at the scoring table, providing refreshments to powerup players, and navigating the complex administrative tasks that keep our competitions thriving season after season.
Patrick Di Lizio, General Manager Diamond Valley Basketball Association is grateful about the volunteers in his association, "Our volunteers are the lifeblood of this association and have been for the last 50 years. The time, passion and dedication they bring make everything we do possible. Basketball simply wouldn’t be where it is today without the countless hours given by these dedicated and caring individuals. Their impact goes well beyond the court. They shape the culture, the opportunities, and the future of our sport."
What's truly inspiring is how our volunteers juggle these basketball commitments alongside their already very busy lives. We see parents stepping into coaching positions after work, senior players dedicating time to mentor juniors, and community members sacrificing their weekends to ensure games run flawlessly, all without seeking recognition or compensation.
Nick Honey Basketball Victoria Chief Executive Officer appreciates the backbone of our community are our volunteers, "We often celebrate the players on the court, but it’s the volunteers behind the scenes who keep the game alive. Their passion and dedication deserve just as much applause.”
To all our volunteers, the entire basketball community thanks you!
Inspired by the incredible contribution of our current volunteers, we encourage you to consider becoming part of this remarkable basketball family during National Volunteer Week. Whether you bring basketball expertise or simply enthusiasm and willingness to help, your local club or association would welcome your contribution.
Click here to get involved! Community - Register as volunteer
