Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy has delivered funding support towards new playing uniforms for the Adelaide Thunder Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League (WNWBL) team, helping ensure South Australia’s elite female wheelchair basketball athletes are seen, recognised and properly equipped to compete at the highest level.
The contribution, which provided funding support towards athlete uniforms, represents more than a practical investment. It is a visible outcome of Basketball SA’s ongoing commitment to strengthening opportunities for women and girls across all areas of the game, including wheelchair basketball.
For the Adelaide Thunder athletes, the new uniforms mark a significant step forward.
In previous seasons, financial constraints meant female athletes were required to wear second hand men’s uniforms. Through support provided via Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy, the team now has access to uniforms designed for each female athlete, providing a professional fit that reflects both the standards of the league and the importance of representation in sport.
Basketball SA CEO Ben MacCormack said the initiative demonstrates the organisation’s commitment to ensuring women and girls are not only participating in basketball but are visible and supported throughout their journey.
“Female participation is not just about getting more women and girls into the game; it’s about ensuring they are seen, supported and properly resourced at every level of the pathway. These athletes represent South Australia on the national stage and deserve the same level of care, visibility and support as any other elite program.” MacCormack said.
The investment builds on a growing partnership between Basketball SA and the South Australian Wheelchair Basketball Association, which over the past two years has focused on strengthening participation, development and performance pathways for wheelchair basketball athletes across the state.
A representative from the Adelaide Thunder said the support reflects the progress being made across the wheelchair basketball landscape in South Australia.
“Over the past two years, Basketball SA and SAWBA have worked closely together to strengthen wheelchair basketball pathways, from local competition through to state and national representation,” the representative said.
This support for our Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League team is another important step forward.
In previous seasons, our female athletes were required to wear men’s uniforms because dedicated women’s kits were simply not financially possible. Having uniforms that are designed and fitted specifically for our athletes is about much more than appearance.
It reflects respect, visibility and investment in women competing at the highest level of wheelchair basketball in South Australia.
When athletes feel seen and valued, it strengthens their sense of belonging and pride in representing the Adelaide Thunder.”
The Female Participation Strategy continues to guide Basketball SA in initiatives that improve representation, retention and the lived experience of women and girls across all formats of basketball.
As the Adelaide Thunder continue their 2026 Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League campaign, the new uniforms will serve as a visible symbol of the progress being made for women in para-sport and the power of collaboration in creating stronger pathways for future generations.
Basketball fans are encouraged to follow and support the Adelaide Thunder throughout the remainder of the Women’s National Wheelchair Basketball League season as South Australia’s elite wheelchair athletes continue to showcase their talent, resilience and pride on the national stage.
END
For media enquiries, please contact:
Cindy Halkias
Brand & Communications Manager
Basketball SA
chalkias@basketballsa.com.au
About Basketball SA
Basketball South Australia (Basketball SA) is the peak body responsible for the governance, growth, and strategic direction of basketball across South Australia.
We exist to lead, support, and connect our basketball community, from grassroots to elite, ensuring a safe, inclusive, and thriving environment for all participants. Our role spans across governance, competitions, officiating, coaching, high-performance pathways, education, inclusive pathways, infrastructure advocacy, and community engagement. Basketball SA works collaboratively with associations, clubs, government, schools, and industry partners to deliver programs and services that enable basketball to be accessible and impactful in every corner of our state.
We are committed to driving positive change and upholding the integrity of the sport, guided by our core values: Respect, Accountability, Inclusivity, Collaboration, and Excellence.
Basketball South Australia is thrilled to announce the continuation of its successful Female Participation Strategy beyond 2024. This initiative has been instrumental in fostering inclusivity and growth, with significant milestones achieved since its inception.
The extended strategy reaffirms Basketball SA’s commitment to empowering female players, coaches, referees, and administrators while enhancing service delivery to ensure sustained success.
While these milestones are cause for celebration, Basketball SA is focused on building upon this foundation to ensure even greater impact in the future.
Basketball SA Chief Executive Officer, Tim Brenton, expressed his enthusiasm for the strategy’s continuation, stating “The Female Participation Strategy has experienced significant outcomes and milestones and we’re just getting started. Our community’s passion and commitment have brought us to this point, and we are excited to build on these achievements to create even more opportunities for females in our sport.”
Basketball South Australia thanks everyone who has contributed to the success of this strategy so far and looks forward to continuing this important journey. Together, we will ensure basketball remains a leader in fostering participation, inclusivity, and growth.
Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy are coming to Kadina. We invite current players and coaches to join us from Kadina & Yorkes Valley Basketball Association and the surrounding regions. We have a day of fun, for a girls only come and try for new players, a skills clinic for over 9yo and a coaches clinic!
There will be current 2021/22 Adelaide Lightning players that will help assist you with your skills and to better understand the game of Basketball.
This is an event not to be missed and you guessed it GIRLS ONLY!!
Also did we mention this is a free event! So be sure to register with your friends for a great time.
We look forward to seeing you there!
new players and current under 9 years old players
over 9 years old players
for coaches who coach female teams
For more information, please contact Basketball SA on femaleparticipation@basketballsa.com.au. Check out our Female Participation Strategy webpage on the Basketball SA Website.
Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy are coming to Port Augusta. We invite current players and coaches to join us from Port Augusta and the surrounding regions. We have a day of fun, for a girls only come and try for new players, a skills clinic for over 9yo and a coaches clinic!
There will be current 2021/22 Adelaide Lightning players that will help assist you with your skills and to better understand the game of Basketball.
This is an event not to be missed and you guessed it GIRLS ONLY!!
Also did we mention this is a free event! So be sure to register with your friends for a great time.
We look forward to seeing you there!
new players and current under 9 years old players
over 9 years old players
for coaches who coach female teams
For more information, please contact Basketball SA on femaleparticipation@basketballsa.com.au. Check out our Female Participation Strategy webpage on the Basketball SA Website.
The Female Participation Strategy uses a collaborative approach to engage females in the sport of basketball, and develop increased confidence, community spirit and leadership skills.
Governments across the country are asking sports to make a commitment to female participation. Through the Female Participation Strategy, Basketball SA shows our sport to be a front runner.
Girls and women that have a positive experience as players are more likely to move into other roles at the end of (or even during) their playing career and also bring their own children to the sport.
There are two key elements for success: A club culture that fosters female participation, and Getting strategies in place early!
AIS: Female Performance and Health Education Modules
AIS: Pelvic Floor Health for All Athletes
AIS: Pelvic Floor Health for Pregnant and Post-Natal Athletes
AIS: Menstrual Cycle Tracking Guidelines
BUTTERFLY: 6 Ways to be Body Positive
BUTTERFLY: Body Image Tips
AIS: Female Performance and Health Education
Basketball Australia: Community Coach Online Course
Basketball Australia: Aussie Hoops Online Coach Course
Psychology Today: Coaches Should Be Good Role Models
VIC Health: Female Participation in Sport and Physical Activity
VIC Health: Female and Physical Activity (What Research Shows)
AIS: Pelvic Floor Health
VIC GOVT: Recruitment and Retention Guidelines
Women’s Sports Foundation: Keeping girls in the game
Flinders University: Young People in Sport Report
Female Participation: Period Awareness
Uniforms that encourage girls to play sport and be physically active
Basketball Australia’s She Hoops platform has been designed by to be a resource hub for all women in our sport, from community/grassroots through to the elite. To connect with the initiatives, click the below image. She Hoops provides a safe space for women to educate, engage, communicate, share stories and learn from high profile women in the sport through mentoring/networking opportunities & live events.
This podcast interviews women who love the game of basketball in the hope of getting more women on the court or even just involved in the sport of Basketball. So join us as we talk to people from all different walks of the game, from professional players to referees, volunteers, board members and even the next generation of players. No matter who you are or where you have come from basketball is the sport for you.
Episode 1 – Bella Schaftenaar – Basketballers family pathway
Episode 2 – Krystel Pugsley – Australian Special Olympic Athlete
Episode 3 – Vanessa Devlin – FIBA Referee
Episode 4 – Mellissa Bradley – Prior Club President
Episode 5 – Margie Williamson – Adelaide Lightning Legend
Episode 6 – Jacqui McConville – Career in Basketball
Episode 7 – Ros Jones – Player to Coach to Admin
Click to listen to the latest episode!
Phone: (08) 7088 0070
Postal Address: PO Box 2080 Hilton Plaza, SA, 5033
Basketball South Australia’s Female Participation Strategy invites you to attend the JD8 Official Camp.
A great range of topics will be covered both on and off the court.
And best of all this is a FREE event!
Saturday, 4 December
2pm – 6pm
Adelaide 36ers Arena
Free of charge
If you have any questions, please email referees@basketballsa.com.au.
The Female Participation Strategy uses a collaborative approach to engage females in the sport of basketball, and develop increased confidence, community spirit and leadership skills
Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy will contact all schools in South Australia to offer in-school clinics. The clinics will be facilitated by female role model athletes with local clubs invited to attend and promote their programs. School visits are a great way to connect with potential participants and fans, increasing awareness of basketball and generating new interest.
Is your school interested in a school visit?
Request a date now!
Female Participation Strategy in partnership with Adelaide Lightning will attend your come and try session at your School. If you have any questions, please contact Female Participation on femaleparticipation@basketballsa.com.au.
The Female Participation Strategy uses a collaborative approach to engage females in the sport of basketball, and develop increased confidence, community spirit and leadership skills.
Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy responds to the South Australian Government’s ambition to grow the number of active female sport participants in South Australia. The strategy developed by Basketball SA aims to address low female sports participation, sporting engagement for rural and remote communities, and long term retention and pathway opportunities. Together with our Members and the Adelaide Lightning, it is our vision that females are represented in all roles of sport and active recreation.
The Female Participation Strategy seeks to build an environment that supports encourages and appreciates the impact females in sport and recreation
The broad vision is to positively impact the greater sporting and basketball community within South Australia.
Basketball SA has partnered with Basketball Adelaide, SA Country Basketball, the Office for Recreation Sport & Racing (ORSR), Department of Infrastructure and Transport (DIT), Department of Education, Adelaide Lightning and SA Church Basketball.
Basketball SA will work in partnership with these organisations to ensure long-term success of the outcomes of this strategy.
The outcome will be positive role models for women, visible pathways, leadership roles and engagement with remote and rural communities through sport.
To Continue to Deliver Goals for Second Largest Team Sport in the Nation
Mile End, SA – Basketball SA is delighted to announce that it has reappointed Tim Brenton as Chief Executive Officer to continue to support the sustainability and growth of a beloved sport in South Australia.
Pictured: Basketball SA CEO Tim Brenton. Photo credit: Sarah Reed
Basketball SA today confirms that it has agreed on a new employment agreement with Tim Brenton, its Chief Executive Officer, which shall commence immediately following the conclusion of his current term. This followed a process conducted by a working group established by the Basketball SA Commission.
Brenton initially joined Basketball SA on 31 October 2022 on a 3-year contract. During that time, he has strengthened relations across all basketball stakeholders, overseen the opening of the State Basketball Centre, driven advocacy initiatives with the State Government, played a pivotal role in saving the Adelaide Lightning, and launched the One Team One Goal 2025-2028 strategic plan.
Basketball SA recorded a significant increase in participants across all organised competitions in 2024, driven by grassroots expansion and inclusive programs like the Female Participation Strategy with over 25 per cent of players now female and over 1.3 million Australians playing across the country in the $400M industry, making it the second-largest team sport by participation in Australia.
Chair of the Basketball South Australia Commission, James Kitching, stated that the Commission was unanimous in reaching the decision to reappoint Brenton, saying:
“Tim has led the hardworking team at Basketball SA to achieve significant progress across several key areas of the business. His strong stakeholder management skills and values-based leadership have been instrumental in achieving that progress and will be imperative as we seek to deliver on the pillars set out in the strategic plan. On behalf of the Basketball SA Commission, I am pleased to confirm that Tim has been reappointed as Chief Executive Officer.”
Chief Executive Officer, Basketball South Australia, Tim Brenton, commented:
“I’m honoured to continue leading Basketball South Australia at such a pivotal time for our sport. Basketball has always been about more than the game itself, it’s about bringing people together, celebrating diversity, and building a thriving community through the sport we love. I look forward to working with our clubs, associations, Commission and partners to strengthen pathways, enhance facilities, and ensure basketball remains a sport for everyone to enjoy in South Australia.”
Basketball South Australia is the peak body responsible for the development and promotion of basketball in our State. Basketball SA remains committed to strong governance, community engagement, and the continued development of basketball at all levels. More information here
Media Contact for More Information:
Cindy Halkias Basketball SA via chalkias@basketballsa.com.au
Basketball South Australia is thrilled to announce the appointment of Vanessa Devlin as our new Technical Officials and Referees Manager.
Vanessa brings a wealth of experience to this role, having been a dedicated referee since 1999. She holds both 5×5 and 3×3 FIBA international basketball licences and has proudly represented Australia on the global stage, officiating in numerous prestigious tournaments, including:
Vanessa recently retired as a referee in the WNBL after reaching the incredible milestone of 100 games, but her passion for the sport continues.
Throughout her outstanding career, Vanessa has been recognised for her contributions to basketball, including being named the South Australian Official of the Year twice in 2019 and 2022.
In addition to her refereeing accomplishments, Vanessa has played a pivotal role in advancing opportunities for women in basketball. Through Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy Program, Vanessa provided contemporary education and support for female referees both on and off the basketball court.
Vanessa’s commitment to basketball and her leadership extends beyond the court. Although recently selected to officiate at the 2024 Olympic Games in Paris, Vanessa made the inspiring decision to focus on her greatest achievement — the birth of her son.
Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball South Australia, expressed his excitement about Vanessa’s appointment: “Vanessa’s unparalleled experience, leadership, and passion for referee development will be instrumental in shaping the future of officiating in South Australia. We are thrilled to have someone of her calibre and dedication join our team.”
Vanessa Devlin, new Technical Officials and Referee Manager: “This is a wonderful opportunity, and I’m excited to bring my knowledge and experience to help support the development of all officials across South Australia”.
Basketball South Australia warmly welcomes Vanessa Devlin to this role and looks forward to her contributions to ensuring excellence and growth for technical officials and referees across the state.
