21st October 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
Melbourne, VICTORIA – Standout performances, inspiring leadership and innovation across our game will be celebrated we reveal the finalists for the 2026 Basketball Victoria Awards.
Victorian basketball’s night of nights recognises the best of our sport, celebrating the achievements of athletes, coaches, officials, volunteers, programs and associations across the state.
From success on the court to excellence in local competitions and communities, our finalists demonstrate what can be achieved through skill, dedication, teamwork and fresh ideas. Their achievements give us plenty to be proud of as they set an example for others across the game and reflect the passion and community spirit that make our sport special.
Finalists will be announced across Basketball Victoria’s channels throughout the week, with this article updated as each category is revealed.
Winners will be announced at the 2026 Basketball Victoria Awards gala event on Tuesday 17 November at RACV City Club, Melbourne, bringing our basketball community together for a special evening of recognition and celebration.
Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said the awards were an opportunity to recognise the people and organisations excelling across Victorian basketball. “These awards celebrate the best of Victorian basketball, and the many different ways excellence is achieved across our sport,” Honey said.
“That might be an exceptional performance on court, a coach bringing out the best in a team, or an association turning a great idea into a successful program. Our finalists demonstrate leadership, innovation and teamwork, with achievements that deserve to be celebrated.
“Congratulations to every finalist. This recognition reflects the quality of your work and the results you have achieved. Your efforts mean so much to the people and communities you support. Together, we raise the game, and we look forward to celebrating with you in November.”
Volunteer of the Year
From organising teams to helping out on game day, volunteers play a vital role in their basketball communities. This award honours an individual whose exceptional commitment, initiative and generosity with their time have made a significant difference to their club, association or community.
Finalists:
- Kelly Shields, Altona Gators
- Nicky Sarre, Darebin Basketball
- Fiona Sheehan & Emma Quarrel, Benalla Basketball
Inclusive Volunteer of the Year
Helping people feel welcome, supported and included can make a lasting difference. This award celebrates a volunteer whose dedication to diversity and inclusion is removing barriers, improving opportunities and helping more people enjoy basketball.
Finalists:
- Naomi Symington - Unified Basketball at Eltham Wildcats
- Lauren Robinson – Victoria Wonders / Victoria State Team
- Lance Nilsson - Doncaster All Abilities Basketball Inc
Inclusive Program of the Year
This award recognises excellence in programs creating inclusive opportunities for people with disability, culturally and linguistically diverse communities, and Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander communities. It celebrates strong partnerships, accessible environments and thoughtful approaches that respond to participants’ needs and help more people find their place in basketball.
Finalists:
- Darebin Basketball
- Diamond Valley Basketball
- Geelong United Basketball
Outstanding Promotion of Basketball Award
There’s no shortage of great basketball stories to tell. This award recognises individuals and organisations promoting our game through exceptional media coverage, content, campaigns, events and initiatives that grow awareness, engagement or participation.
Finalists:
- Casey Basketball
- Darebin Basketball
- Star Weekly
Coach of the Year
Great coaching helps athletes develop, teams work together, and potential become performance. This award recognises outstanding coaching achievements with Victorian athletes or teams, alongside the positive leadership, knowledge and respect that bring out the best in others.
Finalists:
- Name – Club/Association
- Name – Club/Association
- Name – Club/Association
Jack Carter Memorial Award
The Jack Carter Memorial Award honours exceptional contribution and dedication to Victorian basketball. It recognises individuals whose commitment has made a lasting difference to the game and the community around them.
Finalists:
- Name – Club/Association
- Name – Club/Association
- Name – Club/Association
Officials Program of the Year
From supporting a referee through their first game to helping experienced officials take their next step, strong officials programs are essential to basketball. These awards recognise excellence in recruiting, retaining and developing officials, with four categories reflecting associations of different sizes.
Micro Association finalists:
- Association Name
- Association Name
- Association Name
Small Association finalists:
- Association Name
- Association Name
- Association Name
Medium Association finalists:
- Association Name
- Association Name
- Association Name
Large Association finalists:
- Association Name
- Association Name
- Association Name
Association of the Year
Local associations give people across Victoria the chance to play, develop and connect through basketball. These awards recognise associations achieving outstanding results through strong operations, participation growth, community engagement and successful programs, while supporting the development of players, coaches, officials and administrators. Four size categories celebrate excellence in basketball communities across the state.
Micro Association finalists:
- Association Name
- Association Name
- Association Name
Small Association finalists:
- Association Name
- Association Name
- Association Name
Medium Association finalists:
- Association Name
- Association Name
- Association Name
Large Association finalists:
- Association Name
- Association Name
- Association Name
Alongside these categories, the evening will also celebrate the achievements of our athletes and officials through the following awards:
- Junior Female Athlete of the Year
Recognising outstanding performance by a junior female athlete at state, national and/or international level, alongside commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Junior Male Athlete of the Year
Recognising outstanding performance by a junior male athlete at state, national and/or international level, alongside commitment, teamwork and sportsmanship.
- Senior Female Athlete of the Year
Celebrating a senior female athlete’s exceptional achievements at state, national and/or international level and the leadership and dedication she demonstrates on and off the court.
- Senior Male Athlete of the Year
Celebrating a senior male athlete’s exceptional achievements at state, national and/or international level and the leadership and dedication he demonstrates on and off the court.
- Wheelchair Athlete of the Year
Honouring a wheelchair basketball athlete for outstanding performance at state, national and/or international level, together with their commitment and positive example within the game.
- Athlete with an Intellectual Disability of the Year
Honouring an athlete with an intellectual disability for outstanding performance at state, national and/or international level, together with their commitment and positive example within the game.
- Official of the Year
Recognising an official whose exceptional performances, commitment to development and leadership demonstrate excellence in officiating.
Join us on the night to discover who will receive these honours in 2026.
Congratulations to all our finalists on this well-deserved recognition and thank you to everyone who submitted a nomination and helped us recognise the great work and achievements from across the Victorian basketball community.
Be there for the big announcements, the proud moments and the celebrations!
Bring your friends, family, teammates and colleagues together for Victorian basketball’s night of nights, as we honour our finalists and reveal our 2026 award winners.
Event Details:
2026 Basketball Victoria Awards
Tuesday 17 November 2026
RACV City Club, Melbourne
6:30pm for a 7pm start
Book your tickets now and join the celebrations!
-Ends-
