25th June 2026
Author: Sarah Addis
Melbourne, VICTORIA - A respected leader and contributor to the game for more than six decades, Mike Bainbridge has been awarded Basketball Victoria Life Membership. Mike’s 66 years of service have left a lasting impact across coaching, athlete development, and governance in Victorian basketball. Announced at the end of May, at the Annual General Meeting, he will be formally recognised at the 2026 Basketball Victoria Awards Dinner.
Mike’s coaching career has been defined by excellence and consistency, with success spanning grassroots through to elite pathways. He led the Victorian Under 14 Boys State Team to a National Championship in 1973, while also guiding Nunawading’s Under 14 Boys to back-to-back undefeated State Champions, setting a benchmark for junior development in the state.
His commitment to developing athletes has been a hallmark of his career. As Head Coach of Victorian Junior Women’s State Teams throughout the 1990s, Mike played a key role in shaping high-performance pathways, leading teams to multiple National Championships and podium finishes.
At senior level, Mike achieved sustained success across Australia’s top competitions. Highlights include leading Kilsyth Women to a National Championship in 1998, along with multiple national finals appearances with Eltham and Nunawading, demonstrating his ability to build competitive, high-performing programs.
Mike also achieved exceptional results on the international stage, coaching teams on numerous overseas tours. He represented Australia as Head Coach of the Australian Maccabi Women’s Team in 2005, leading the side to a historic bronze medal - the first won by an Australian women’s basketball team at the Maccabi Games. He later led the Australian Maccabi Men’s Team to a bronze medal at the 2007 Pan-American Games.
Beyond the court, Mike has been a trusted leader in the governance of Victorian basketball. He dedicated more than 20 years to board roles, including serving as Basketball Victoria President and Chair from 2016 to 2023. During this time, he provided strong, strategic leadership and contributed to the continued growth and direction of the sport across the state.
Mike’s contribution also extends to association level, where he played a key leadership role with Kilsyth Basketball Association, including six years as Chairman/President, supporting the delivery and sustainability of community basketball.
A former player with 268 games for the Melbourne East Demons (Nunawading Basketball Association), Mike’s lifelong involvement in basketball reflects a deep commitment to the game at every level, from local associations through to representing on a global stage.
Basketball Victoria CEO Nick Honey said Mike’s contribution to the game had shaped generations of athletes, coaches and administrators.
“Mike Bainbridge’s impact on basketball in Victoria is both significant and enduring. His leadership across coaching and governance has helped shape the pathways, standards and culture of our game.”
“From developing athletes at grassroots level through to leading teams overseas, Mike has consistently demonstrated a deep commitment to basketball and the people within it. His influence extends well beyond results, and his legacy will continue to be felt across the Victorian basketball community for years to come.”
“On behalf of Basketball Victoria, we thank Mike for his exceptional service and proudly recognise him as a Life Member.”
In recognition of his outstanding contribution, Mike has been inducted into the Nunawading Hall of Fame, received Basketball Victoria’s 50 Year Service Award and now joins an esteemed group of individuals awarded with Basketball Victoria Life Membership.
Basketball Victoria congratulates Mike Bainbridge on becoming its newest Life Member.
Mike Bainbridge’s Achievements
- 53 years of service to basketball
- Head Coach – Victorian Under 14 Boys (1973 National Champions)
- Head Coach – Victorian Junior Women’s State Teams (multiple National Championships and medals)
- Head Coach – Kilsyth Women (1998 National Champions)
- Head Coach – Eltham & Nunawading Women (multiple National Finals appearances)
- Head Coach – Australian Maccabi Women’s Team (2005 Bronze Medal – historic first)
- Head Coach – Australian Maccabi Men’s Team (2007 Bronze Medal)
- Basketball Victoria Board Member (2013–2016)
- President & Chair – Basketball Victoria (2016–2023)
- Chairman/President – Eastern Sports Development (6 years)
- 268 games – Melbourne East Demons (Nunawading)
- Nunawading Hall of Fame Inductee
- Basketball Victoria 50 Year Service Award
