18th May 2026
Author: Maree DeGeorge
As part of National Volunteer Week 2026, celebrated from 18–24 May across Australia, Basketball Victoria is proud to recognise and celebrate the volunteers who continue to help basketball communities thrive in every corner of the state.
National Volunteer Week is Australia’s largest annual celebration of volunteering, recognising the millions of Australians who give their time, energy and passion to help strengthen local communities. This year’s theme, Your Year to Volunteer, celebrates the incredible contribution of volunteers, while encouraging more people to get involved and experience the positive impact volunteering can create.
Within basketball, volunteers continue to play a vital role in creating welcoming, inclusive and connected communities where people of all ages can participate, grow and belong.
Community basketball across Victoria is powered by volunteers, from local clubs and regional associations to stadiums, score benches and training courts. Whether coaching junior teams, mentoring referees, supporting governance and administration or helping deliver programs and game days, volunteers continue to give their time, passion and energy to create welcoming environments where players, coaches, officials and families can connect through the game.
For Eltham North Jets Basketball Club President Justin Capicchiano, volunteering is about helping create an environment where every player and coach feels supported and valued.
Using his professional background to help guide the club’s long-term direction, Justin has focused on strengthening governance, development pathways and systems that support both participation and future growth within the club.
“There’s nothing more rewarding than seeing players and teams grow in confidence, develop new skills and work together,” Justin said.
“Whether someone is brand new to basketball or looking to progress through elite pathways, we want to make sure there’s a place for everyone at the Jets.”
In Gippsland, Traralgon Amateur Basketball Association (TABA) President Kim Bonnor’s connection to basketball spans a lifetime.
Having contributed as a player, coach, administrator, board member and now president, Kim remains passionate about ensuring strong foundations are in place for the continued growth of basketball within the region.
As TABA approaches its 80th year, strategic planning and sustainable development remain key priorities for the association’s future.
“I love junior coaching, seeing those fundamentals click and the friendships form,” Kim said.
“With two young boys entering basketball themselves, my focus is building a strong culture and supporting success both on and off the court.”
At St Mary’s Sharks Basketball Club, Kate Sanford has spent the past 12 years helping create a positive and inclusive environment for players, coaches and families throughout the club community.
As President, Kate says seeing young athletes build confidence, resilience and teamwork through basketball continues to be one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering.
Meanwhile in regional Victoria, Bec Carter continues to wear multiple hats within Kowree Amateur Basketball Association in Edenhope, contributing as a committee member, PlayHQ coordinator, referee coordinator and coach.
One of Bec’s greatest passions is supporting and mentoring referees, helping young officials build confidence while developing a deeper connection to the game.
“The biggest motivation comes from the excitement and connection basketball brings to the community,” Bec said.
“Seeing the positive impact basketball has on people’s lives is incredibly rewarding.”
At Yarrawonga Mulwala Basketball Association, Amanda Wheaton contributes across almost every aspect of the association, from Ford Aussie Hoops coaching and administration through to refereeing, referee coaching and board involvement.
Amanda says her motivation comes from helping provide positive basketball experiences for players of all ages while supporting the continued growth of the association for future generations.
At Bulleen Boomers, Mitch Burich contributes as a Board Member focused on government and stakeholder engagement, helping drive both the strategic direction and long-term future of the club.
Balancing advocacy, governance and on-court involvement, Mitch has become a strong voice for improving facilities and creating better environments for the basketball community, working closely with government, local council and key stakeholders across the sport to help modernise the club's home stadium.
While improving infrastructure remains a major focus, Mitch believes building a strong club culture and sense of belonging is equally important. Alongside his board responsibilities, he also spends weekends coaching within the program, something he says keeps him closely connected to the community and families at the heart of the club.
"My motivation is simple, it's the people here and my family," Mitch said.
“This sport has introduced us to some incredible friends and become such a huge part of our lives. Since we're practically living here anyway, I figured I might as well roll up my sleeves and help make it the best possible place for our family and the wider community.”
Further south-east, Pakenham & District Basketball Association President Sean Jessup continues to advocate for improved facilities, programs and opportunities for the growing local basketball community.
For Sean, seeing players experience joy, excitement and achievement through basketball remains one of the most rewarding parts of volunteering.
“The happiness it brings to players, parents, teammates and spectators is incredibly rewarding,” Sean said.
“That feeling keeps me involved in a sport that I love, and I want everyone to experience that same love for basketball.”
While only a small number of volunteers are featured here, Basketball Victoria acknowledges the thousands of volunteers across metropolitan and regional Victoria whose ongoing contribution continues to strengthen clubs, associations and communities every single week.
Basketball Victoria thanks all volunteers across the state for the passion, care and commitment they continue to bring to the game and their communities every single day.
To learn more about getting involved in National Volunteer Week, click here.
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For Media Enquiries
Maree DeGeorge
Basketball Victoria
Media & Communications Specialist
maree.degeorge@basketballvictoria.com.au
0499 581 266
