Basketball SA, the peak sporting body for basketball in South Australia, is thrilled to announce a meaningful partnership with SA Wheelchair Basketball Association (SAWBA). Under this collaborative effort, SAWBA will become a valued Community Partner at the State Basketball Centre. This partnership signifies a significant step toward promoting inclusivity and community engagement in the world of basketball.
SAWBA is dedicated to providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in and enjoy the sport of basketball. This partnership with Basketball SA aligns with both organisations’ goals to make basketball accessible to a diverse range of athletes.
As part of the agreement, SAWBA will host their Tuesday night social basketball competition at the State Basketball Centre. Basketball SA will also provide the use of courts and the high-performance gym for national team representative training. This will further enhance the facility’s reputation as a hub for community engagement and inclusive sports programs, as well as confirm it as the new home of all South Australian Basketball.
“We are excited to welcome SA Wheelchair Basketball as a Community Partner at the State Basketball Centre,” said Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball SA. “This partnership exemplifies our commitment to fostering inclusivity in basketball and providing a welcoming space for athletes of all abilities. SAWBA’s presence will undoubtedly inspire our broader basketball community.”
In addition to hosting their social basketball competition and national player training, SAWBA will receive support from Basketball SA in a number of operational aspects. This includes assistance with referee pathways, coordination and scheduling, competition management, and administrative support. These collaborative efforts will help streamline SAWBA’s operations and further enhance the overall experience for participants.
“We are delighted to partner with Basketball SA, an organisation that shares our passion for inclusive sports and community engagement,” said Lucinda Bueti, President of SAWBA. “This partnership provides us with a home where our athletes can thrive and grow. We are grateful for the support from Basketball SA, which will enable us to continue providing opportunities for individuals with disabilities to participate in the sport they love.”
The collaboration between Basketball SA and SAWBA reflects a shared commitment to promoting inclusivity and fostering a sense of community through basketball.
Together, they look forward to expanding opportunities for individuals with disabilities to engage in the sport, building stronger connections within the South Australian basketball community.
Basketball SA, the peak sporting body for basketball in South Australia, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with SEDA College. Under this collaboration, SEDA College will continue as a community partner of Basketball SA at the State Basketball Centre, including renting office space within the facility.
SEDA College, a leader in contemporary schooling, sports and education programs, shares Basketball SA’s commitment to fostering community engagement and providing opportunities for youth development. This partnership marks a significant strengthening of ties between the educational and basketball communities in South Australia.
As part of the agreement, SEDA College will establish a presence at the State Basketball Centre, utilising office space within the facility as its head office in Adelaide. This move highlights the importance of education in the world of basketball and demonstrates the desire for collaboration and innovation between the two organizations.
“We are delighted to welcome SEDA College as a community partner at the State Basketball Centre,” said Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball SA. “This partnership reflects our dedication to creating an inclusive and dynamic environment for the community. By having SEDA College as tenants, we are helping them in their desire to help young talents thrive both academically and athletically.”
SEDA College is known for its innovative education programs that combine classroom learning and SACE completion with hands-on experience in the sports industry. With a focus on personal and professional development, SEDA College provides students with unique opportunities to build careers in sports and related fields.
“We are excited to partner with Basketball SA, an organization that shares our passion for education and sports,” said Matthew Daly, Principal SEDA College. “This partnership allows us to further our mission of providing young people with pathways to success through sports-focused education. Being a part of the vibrant State Basketball Centre community is an exciting opportunity for our staff.”
The collaboration between Basketball SA and SEDA College not only enriches the experience of aspiring athletes and students but also reinforces the State Basketball Centre’s role as a dynamic hub for both sports and education. Through the partnership, Basketball SA will also be looking to strengthen the official’s pathway, with referee accreditation able to be recognised towards SACE completion.
Together, Basketball SA and SEDA College look forward to empowering South Australia’s youth through sports and education, fostering growth, and nurturing the talents of tomorrow.
Basketball SA, the sporting body responsible for the NBL1 Central, is proud to announce an exciting new partnership with Big Shed Brewing, a renowned independent craft brewery known for its commitment to quality and innovation. This collaboration brings together the world of basketball and craft beer to create a dynamic partnership that will undoubtedly score points both on and off the court.
Basketball SA has a rich history of promoting the sport at all levels in the state, from grassroots MSBL Social to the NBL1 Central competition. This partnership with Big Shed Brewing aligns with the aim of celebrating South Australian talent whilst creating unforgettable experiences for fans.
Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball SA, expressed his enthusiasm for the partnership, saying, “We’re excited to team up with Big Shed Brewing, a company that shares our values of community, excellence, and innovation. Big Shed Brewing’s approach to craft beer has been about pushing boundaries, and we believe this partnership will offer fans memorable experiences both at our events and at the brewery.”
Big Shed Brewing, known for its support of basketball in South Australia, will now expand its partnership across the sport, and brings a unique perspective to this partnership.
Craig Basford, Director of Consumer Business and Marketing of Big Shed Brewing, shared his excitement, saying, “We’re honoured to partner with Basketball SA, an organisation that embodies the spirit of basketball and community development. This collaboration builds on our history of supporting basketball in South Australia, and we’re committed to delivering outstanding experiences for fans of both craft beer and basketball.”
In addition to celebrating the passion for both independent craft brewing and basketball, this partnership includes Big Shed Brewing’s sponsorship of the NBL1 Central and the supply of their exceptional craft beers, cider and alcoholic lemonade and ginger beer at the new State Basketball Centre at Wayville. This ensures that fans will have access to top-quality brews while enjoying exciting basketball action in South Australia’s premier basketball facility, the new home of South Australian basketball.
With the Masters games tipping off next week, you can try a Big Shed beer or one of their exciting new Big Twist range at the Bar in the State Basketball Centre. Big Shed Brewing and Basketball SA are dedicated to delivering a winning combination that will resonate with fans of both worlds.
Stay tuned for more updates on this exciting partnership as Basketball SA and Big Shed Brewing gear up to create unforgettable moments for fans and players across South Australia.
Basketball SA, the peak sporting body for basketball in South Australia, is excited to announce a strategic partnership with the Adelaide Lightning. In this collaborative effort, the Adelaide Lightning will become a valued Community Partner of Basketball SA at the State Basketball Centre, utilising the training facilities and office spaces at new Home of South Australian Basketball. This partnership will play a key role in supporting Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy, helping to deliver essential outcomes for the program.
The Adelaide Lightning, playing in the Women’s National Basketball League (WNBL), shares Basketball SA’s vision for community engagement, empowering female athletes, and the development of South Australian basketball. This partnership represents a significant step toward strengthening the ties between professional basketball and grassroots participation, Basketball SA’s Female Participation Strategy aims to help strengthen the pathway between the two.
Under this partnership, the Adelaide Lightning will have access to state-of-the-art training facilities, including the use of the professional change rooms at the State Basketball Centre. These facilities will provide a top-notch training environment for the Lightning’s elite female athletes and coaches.
“We are thrilled to welcome the Adelaide Lightning as a Community Partner at the State Basketball Centre,” said Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball SA. “This partnership is about more than just sports; it’s about empowering female athletes and creating opportunities for them to excel. The Adelaide Lightning, as a WNBL powerhouse, will serve as a beacon of inspiration for our young female athletes, showcasing the possibilities that lie ahead.”
The partnership also includes the Adelaide Lightning establishing their coaches’ offices within the State Basketball Centre, creating a central hub for team operations. This proximity will foster collaboration and knowledge sharing between the Lightning and Basketball SA, benefiting both organisations.
To ensure that training can occur at all times throughout the summer, Seeley International’s Climate Wizard indirect evaporative air conditioning system has been installed at the State Basketball Centre. This state-of-the-art cooling technology will provide optimal training conditions for the athletes, even during South Australia’s hottest months.
“We are excited about this partnership with Basketball SA and the Adelaide Lightning,” said Reece Turner, General Manager – Adelaide Lightning. “Having our team and coaches based at the State Basketball Centre will not only streamline our operations but also enable us to engage more closely with the basketball community.”
The collaboration between Basketball SA and the Adelaide Lightning, reflects a shared commitment to fostering excellence in basketball and creating a supportive environment for female athletes at all levels. Together, they look forward to promoting the sport of basketball and enhancing the development of young female athletes.
Basketball SA is excited to share the opening of the State Basketball Centre at Wayville, with the Honourable Katrine Hildyard MP, Minister of Recreation, Sport and Racing, in attendance to officially open the doors. The state of the art facilities are a major win for the South Australian basketball community. The project was conducted as a collaboration between Basketball SA, Office for Recreation, Sport and Racing and the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA (RA&HS).
Basketball SA received $15.8 million in State Government funding to develop the new facility at the Adelaide Showgrounds, Wayville. The new centre is an extension to the Wayville Sports Centre and has the capabilities to accommodate programs for Basketball SA, SA Country Basketball, SA Wheelchair Basketball and SA Church Basketball.
In addition to the State Government’s funding, Basketball SA and the Royal Show Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA contributed the additional funding to the re-development bringing the upgrade total to $17.2 million.
The new facility caters for community through to high-performance basketball and local, district, state and national league teams all having the ability to train from the same venue. The State Basketball Centre is also the home training venue for the Adelaide Lightning.
“Establishing places and spaces that support movement, play and performance is a vital component in helping us achieve our vision of being an active and inclusive state.
The new home of South Australian basketball will see players of all ages and abilities utilise the facility, encouraging more people to enjoy the physical, mental and emotional health and wellbeing benefits associated with being active.
Our Government is serious about giving everyone in the community a chance to participate in sport and feel included, and the State Basketball Centre is another important piece of infrastructure which will help us achieve that.
Thousands of South Australians enjoy basketball; this place will enable even more people to do so and to enjoy that lovely sense of belonging that comes through sport. I have no doubt that this place will make a difference in people’s lives for decades to come and am really grateful to Basketball SA and the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA for their collaboration and vision to help bring it to life.”
“The State Basketball Centre is an investment in community and well-being, belonging and social connection. It’s far more than infrastructure; the SBC provides a place and platform for basketball to shape and positively influence lives.
When people work together with their collective compass pointing in the same direction, extraordinary things can be achieved. The SBC is an extraordinary project that will deliver significant benefits for generations to follow.
From the outset, the SBC project has been about human connection. The creation of a safe space where kids will make life-long friendships, families create precious memories and basketball participants of all ages develop life-skills including teamwork, resilience, and leadership. Whilst at the same time delivering a FIBA1 compliant stadium that enables basketball to be showcased at a professional and international level.”
The facility is set to provide wider community benefits through collaboration with the Royal Agricultural and Horticultural Society of SA (RA&HS), who will use the State Basketball Centre during the Royal Adelaide Show each year as they currently do with the Wayville Sports Centre.
Adelaide, 25/09/2023 — Basketball SA is thrilled to announce two dynamic partnerships that will elevate the sport and the experience for players, officials, and fans alike. In a competitive tender process, Blackchrome has been selected as the official apparel partner of Basketball SA and SA Country Basketball, continuing their successful supply of the past three years. Additionally, Ref Warehouse has been chosen as the exclusive officials’ apparel supplier for Basketball SA, SA Country Basketball, and the NBL1 Central.
Blackchrome, known for its commitment to high-quality sportswear and merchandise, has been awarded the esteemed position of official apparel partner for Basketball SA and SA Country Basketball. This partnership encompasses the exclusive supply of all high-performance uniforms, staff uniforms, and merchandise for these organisations.
Following a thorough tender process that attracted numerous submissions, Blackchrome emerged as the successful applicant, proving their dedication to the sport and their ability to meet the needs of South Australian basketball.
“We are thrilled to continue our partnership with Blackchrome, a company that shares our commitment to excellence,” said Tim Brenton, CEO of Basketball SA. “Their high-quality uniforms and merchandise have been integral to our success over the past three years, and we are excited to see where this partnership will take us in the future. Together, we will continue to elevate the South Australian basketball experience.”
Blackchrome’s expertise in providing top-tier sportswear and merchandise will ensure that players and staff are equipped with the best-in-class apparel that meets the demands of high-performance basketball.
Travis Eddie, General Manager of Blackchrome, expressed his excitement about the partnership, stating, “At Blackchrome, we are dedicated to supporting the growth and success of South Australian basketball. We are honoured to continue our partnerships with Basketball SA and SA Country Basketball, and we are committed to providing top-notch apparel that meets the high standards of this dynamic sport.”
In addition to the partnership with Blackchrome, Basketball SA is proud to announce an exclusive partnership with Ref Warehouse. Ref Warehouse will serve as the exclusive officials’ apparel supplier for Basketball SA, SA Country Basketball, and the NBL1 Central.
This partnership reinforces Basketball SA’s commitment to providing officials with the highest quality and performance-oriented apparel, further enhancing the integrity and professionalism of the sport.
“We are excited to partner with Ref Warehouse, a company that understands the needs of our officials and shares our vision for raising the standards of officiating in basketball,” said Tim Brenton. “Through this partnership, we aim to provide our officials with the best possible apparel, supporting them in their crucial role in the game.”
Jon Chapman, General Manager of Ref Warehouse, expressed his enthusiasm, stating, “Ref Warehouse is proud to be the exclusive officials’ apparel supplier for Basketball SA, SA Country Basketball and the NBL1. We look forward to providing officials with top-quality apparel and equipment to ensure they have the tools they need to excel in their roles on the court.”
Both partnerships reflect Basketball SA and SA Country Basketball’s dedication to ensuring that all aspects of the sport, from player and staff apparel to officiating, meet the highest standards of quality and performance.
As these partnerships take effect, fans and stakeholders can look forward to seeing the positive impact they will have on the South Australian basketball community.
Richard ‘Dick’ Butler
Richard ‘Dick’ Butler began his journey with the Basketball community with Forestville Eagles as the Junior Coordinator where he committed 12 years. Dick worked tirelessly in this role throughout the 1970’s whilst also being a member of the management committee for 10 years spanning 1972-1982.
Dick served as the team manager for South Australian teams at the National Junior Championships from 1975-1982, this led to him being named the Chair of the SA Junior Committee from 1980 to 1989. Dick’s achievements did not end at the Junior level, with him being both the Chairman and Director of the Forestville Eagles as they ventured into the NBL. Dick went on to become the founding Chairman of the Adelaide 36ers when they joined the NBL in 1982. Dick’s contributions and commitment to the 36ers has led to him being recognised as a life member for the organisation.
Dick’s roles within the NBL continued to grow and develop with him commending as an Executive Member from 1984-1986 and Director 1980 – 1997. Dick also continued to take on roles within Basketball South Australia becoming President in the late 1980’s. Dick went on to be recognised as a Basketball South Australia life member also. Whilst serving as President of Basketball South Australia, Dick was also named the President of Basketball Australia to which he held presidency for 10 years.
Dick has reached a phenomenal level of achievement in the Junior space, being the President of the Australian Junior Basketball Council from 1981-1986. Dick was a team leader for 12 junior and senior World Championships competing between 1983-1999. Dick saw his achievements extend to being the Director of International in 1999-2000 as well as being in the role of the CEO from 1997-1999.
Dick advocated for gender equality within sport and pushed for the development and competition for all. Being frustrated by the lack of junior National championships for girls, Dick set about introducing under 14 and under 20 age groups for females, laying the foundation for women in the sport in South Australia for years to come. In 1994 Dick was the Chairman of Organising Committee for the Women’s World Championships.
Dick’s work with FIBA during the 1980s and 1990s further highlighted his commitment to advancing the sport through the development of competitions, players, and inclusivity.
In 1996, Dick earned his life membership from Basketball Australia, recognising his substantial contributions to the sport as a senior executive and administrator. Another remarkable accomplishment, reflecting his unwavering commitment to South Australian Basketball, occurred in 2020 when Dick was bestowed with the AM (Member of the Order of Australia in the General Division) for his noteworthy service as a senior executive and administrator in basketball, along with his advocacy for gender equality in both development and competition.
Malcolm Heard
The late Malcolm Heard commenced his basketball journey in the 1950’s working hard to reach state and national teams. Malcolm was a very humble, peaceful, and caring man that carried himself in a way that earnt respect from others throughout his career in Basketball.
Malcolm played basketball for OBI in 1954 to 1959 in the SA Basketball League. Malcolm worked extensively on his skills in this time, being recognised as the Most Improved Player in 1954. The team then took out the League Championship in 1956.
Malcolm saw his time as a state player commence in 1955, attending various Australian championships as a state player for an impressive 12 years ending his time with this squad in 1967.
Malcolm’s success at a state level saw his talent be recognised with him reaching a new height representing the Australian team in 1960. Malcolm reached a rare achievement in 1960 representing Australia alongside his brother John Heard for the Olympic Qualifications. Malcolm returned to the Olympic space in 2000 participating in the torch relay at the Sydney Olympics.
Malcolm played Basketball for Australia in Bologna, Italy for a qualification Tournament, then again in 1962 at the World Championships in Manila, Philippines.
Malcolm continued playing at the State and District level for 10 years at United Church and Sturt. Joining the district team in 1960, Malcolm showed why he had reached the successful levels he had in his career. Malcolm won back-to-back Woollacott Medal awards in 1964 and 65. This award is presented to the player recognised as the Best and Fairest in the league for that year.
United Church (now Sturt Basketball Club) had a successful 1970 season with Malcolm participating as a player coach and leading the team to a summer premiership in the opening season at the new Apollo Stadium.
Outside of his playing and coaching achievements Malcolm also actively participated in the referee space for basketball for over 20 years, and eventually used his knowledge and experience as a referee to go on to coach and train other referees for SACBOA.
Malcolm’s extensive knowledge of so many aspects of Basketball lead to him being the President of Sturt Basketball Club and SACBA, as well as the Vice President of SACBOA. Malcolm also served as a committee member and president of the SA Olympians Club and was a member of SA Olympic Council.
Malcolm’s career spanned playing at a state, national and international level, decades of coaching and refereeing and being a voice on several sporting boards.
Malcolm’s commitment to Basketball lead to him achieving life memberships for Sturt Basketball Club , Basketball South Australia, SACBA and SACBOA.
James ‘Jim’ Madigan commenced his basketball journey in 1957 as a District player for YMCA, South Adelaide. Jim quickly transitioned from his role as a player into coaching where he truly built his path to success.
Jim became very active in the development of players in the early 60’s coaching Juniors, Senior Women’s, and Men’s competitions. From 1963 to 1968, Jim expertly managed multiple teams concurrently, coaching the Men of YMCA, West Torrens, and Central. Furthermore, his coaching prowess extended from 1968 to 1985 as he led the Women’s South Adelaide team at the district level. Jim’s district level coaching achieved phenomenal results winning premierships in 1966, 1972, 1973, 1984 and 1985. The coaching success continued for Jim winning the title of club champions in West Torrens of 1973.
Jim’s coaching journey has spanned across diverse teams and skill levels, marked by a notable accomplishment of leading the St Clair Women v South Korea and the St Clair Men on a successful USA Tour. His coaching ability has produced exceptional outcomes, not only in terms of team achievements but also in the remarkable development of individual players.
Jim coached the State Women’s team to 3 junior titles and took on a role coaching the Australian Women’s Team (now known as the Opals) from 1973-1978.
Jim travelled to the USA funded by Basketball Australia in the 70’s. On his trip to the USA, he had the opportunity to study techniques that were utilised for progressing female basketballers. The trip saw Jim visit UCLA, Baton Rouge, Washington DC and Oregon.
International success and experience didn’t end for Jim in the training and development opportunities he pursued. Jim was part of two China tours, a Japan tour and a Europe tour within his coaching career. 1974 saw Jim coaching at the Oceania Championships held in Australia, then the World Championships in Columbia in 1975. Jim also travelled as part of the Pre Olympic Tournament in Bulgaria to continue his journey in coaching.
Jim has had a phenomenal coaching journey and has achieved Life Membership status at Forestville Basketball Club (Formerly West Torrens Basketball Club) and Basketball South Australia.
CAROLYN TSAKALOS
Carolyn commenced her journey as a referee at the young age of 14 years old. In a space of predominantly male’s, Carolyn lead the way for female referees proving that with work ethic and drive there is enormous potential.
Carolyn has produced groundbreaking results for women officials within organisations including Basketball South Australia, WNBL, NBL and FIBA.
1988 saw Carolyn’s first major Australian representation at the Pro Ball Invitations Basketball tournament leading to a long list of high-level officiating experiences.
Carolyn had an exciting 1993 refereeing the China tour with the Australian Women’s Team and receiving FIBA badge accreditation in the same year.
The FIBA journey for Carolyn grew extensively after the accreditation was achieved. Carloyn refereed 4 games at the FIBA Junior Women’s World Champions in Brazil in 1997, 8 games including the Gold Medal games at the FIBA Women’s World Championships in Germany in 1998 and making a to FIBA in 2004 and 2006 traveling to both Russia and China refereeing Gold Medal games at both FIBA Women’s World League events.
Carolyn refereed in the Asian Tour with Australian Women’s Team in 1995. In the same year Carolyn refereed the Ocean Junior Women’s Championship and joined the Australian Women’s Team in France and Ukraine for the European Tour, joining the tour again in 1998.
In 1997 Carolyn had the rare and phenomenal opportunity to referee five games in Utah at the NBA Pro Summer Camp.
Carolyn was awarded the Australian Junior Official of the Year in 1997 and went to her successful career to be awarded the Australian Official of the Year in 1998.
The years that followed Carolyn continued to reach new heights in her refereeing journey. Refereeing 15 games in the WNBA and 6 games in the Asian Junior Women’s World Championships in 1998. In 1999 Carolyn joined the Australian Women’s Team for both the Cuba and Brazil Series’.
Carolyn reached new heights with her Olympic debut in 2000, refereeing the pre-Olympic Tours for the Women and as a reserve stepping into the Men’s also. Her Olympic journey saw 7 games refereed in 2000 including a Bronze Medal game. Carolyn’s Olympic journey was not set to end being selected for Athens in 2004 to which she was required to withdraw due to being pregnant.
2000’s Olympic success was not the only achievement of the year for Carolyn also refereeing the Women’s International Series against Russia, France, USA, Slovakia and Poland, as well as the World Slam Down Under in Sydney.
Carolyn was awarded the Australian Sport’s Medal; this prestigious medal was awarded by the Queen in 2000.
The Opal Women’s World Challenge was another monumental step in Carolyn’s journey, joining them in 2004. Carolyn travelled to New Zealand and was part of the Oceania World Qualifiers 2005. Returning to the Opals in 2006.
Carolyn rounded out her major Australian representation with the 2006 Asian Championships in Japan refereeing the Gold Medal Game and finishing with the Commonwealth Games in Melbourne 2006 where she refereed 5 games and finished with the Bronze Medal Game.
