GAME CENTRE
Dear members,
Thank you all for your continued support of basketball in this region as our sport grows to almost uncontrollable participation levels in juniors and seniors.
Our winter junior comp has hit a record high 1730 players across 236 teams and somehow our incredible management team continue to bring the fees down for each player. I know the changes to the financial structure of the junior clubs over the last 12 months has varied from the past, however this model has assisted in lowering the costs for all families and resulted in substantially higher participation levels. We all appreciate the support from the volunteers for each club that has aided in this becoming a success, which leads to benefit more and more children. In addition to costing, the new uniforms look absolutely amazing, and a big thanks to sponsors, McDonald Jones Homes. It is so great to see everyone back on the court and in the stadium after the pandemic restrictions.
Newcastle management and the Board, over the past few years, have paid particular attention to growing the numbers of girls playing our wonderful sport. Only a few years back our female competitions were running only U-14 and U-19 competitions with dwindling numbers. Newcastle management has now grown the number of females to include competitions in all junior age groups with strong numbers. This has been aided by BNSW programs and private programs that the Hunter region is very lucky to have.
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In relation to women’s basketball, how good was it to see the amazing Lauren Jackson playing in our stadium last Saturday night for her home-town Albury against our mighty Falcons.
Unfortunately, the Border Bandits were a bit too strong for our girls on the night, but our girls have still made a very strong start to the season. With the talent we have produced from Newcastle you can see why Management and this Board will continue to aim towards a WNBL team in the future.
The men have made an incredible start to their NBL 1 East campaign to be equal with Canberra on top of the ladder with a 7-2 record. This is an amazing achievement and we are lucky to have such strong talent in our town.
With such great senior role models on our courts, it is no wonder Newcastle Basketball is close to the second largest association in the state and No.1 in regional NSW.
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What started with Lauren Jackson on the weekend, then culminated in the Opals playing against Japan in Newcastle. What a great nod to all of us who play and support basketball in Newcastle to be so fortunate to watch this.
In between these two great matches, there was an “I Am A Girl” clinic run by Kaz Irwin from Basketball NSW at our stadium, followed by a Women in Sport forum, also hosted by Basketball NSW, at the entertainment centre prior to the Opals game.
The insights from Jan Stirling and Newcastle girl Jenni Screen at the forum were fantastic and the night almost ended as brilliantly, but it wasn’t to be with the Opals going down 69-67 to Japan.
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To talk now about our stadium, we have had recent newsletters informing you of the processes that are still ahead of us before soil is turned and our courts are built. Please be rest assured the Board are still working towards this great stadium and will keep you updated as we go. It has come to our attention that false rumours are circulating again. The stadium WILL go ahead. We WILL own our stadium as opposed to most other associations who rent their facilities. We will be the only association to own a 10-court stadium. There is a reason for that…. It is a hard process. Our General Manager Neil Goffet, with the assistance of our volunteer Financial Director, David Shanley, worked hard in securing the State Government Funding for Newcastle Basketball. They have continued with their persistent and great work, meeting regularly with all stakeholders. Former Board member Greg Fenwick also gave countless hours to this project. Both Neil and Dave will now be assisted by new Board member, Larry Davidson, in progressing this through to building. We appreciate your patience on this and are happy to provide correct information on any inquiries.
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On a more disappointing note it has come to the attention of the Board Executive, through complaints made, that our members have had Ordinary Member forms placed in front of them by a handful of disgruntled members over the past 18 months. These forms are coming with subjective and skewed information, which as you can see from above, is contrary to the success of Newcastle Basketball at the moment. On behalf of the Executive, we apologise to all of those that have been subject to this and ask that you defer from such behaviour. Based on these actions this appears to be in order to destabilise the Board and Management, and by extension Newcastle Basketball.
Given that the integrity of this process has been compromised by these people, we did not accept any new Ordinary Member applications at the most recent Board Meeting. We ask our valued members that common sense prevails, and we all concentrate on kids playing sport rather than coercion, branch stacking and vote canvassing. The misinformation being spread about our Management and Board members, who have worked tirelessly to get Newcastle Basketball more successful than it has ever been, is disappointing to say the least.
In relation to Membership of Newcastle Basketball, every person who walks through our door is a valued Member of the association. Your opinions are valued and your feedback is valued. You do NOT have to be an Ordinary Member for this to occur. If you wish to become an Ordinary Member you need to request or obtain a form yourself and complete the relevant sections and reasons why you expressly want to vote at the next AGM. Then seek out two Ordinary, Life or Life Playing members to nominate you through. Once completed then you need to hand this form the Company Secretary who is Neil Goffet, also our General Manager.
To become a successful and leading organisation we must do so alongside good people with good intentions. Basketball is a family and a way of life and has given so many great experiences and memories to so many children. Let’s continue that tradition for all families to enjoy, no matter the level or age.
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To finish on a high note, I want to thank our outgoing Board Member and Life Member, Mr Andrew SMITH, for his wonderful contribution to Newcastle Basketball over the last 70 years. Andy had two stints as a director of the Board, including in 1987 when the association became incorporated. His knowledge of basketball, both on and off the court, is quite incredible and his service to the association has been amazing. He is still an active member of the history committee at the young age of 89 and he’s still at every home game the Falcons play. What a legend.
Kind Regards,
Newcastle Basketball Board Executive
