A note from the President

Presidents Report: 2025

Tonight marks a meaningful moment as we welcome a new Board to Wodonga Basketball.

As I step down from my role as President, I have a deep sense of pride and gratitude.

I am grateful for the opportunity I have had to contribute alongside those who have generously shared their time, energy and ideas.

Throughout my time in this position, I have always acted in the best interests of our members.

I am proud of the impact and the contributions I have been able to offer, and I leave knowing I have done my best to support and strengthen Wodonga Basketball.

As we wrap up the final year of our strategic plan, it’s the perfect time to pause, reflect, and celebrate everything we’ve achieved together over the past three years.

Wodonga Basketball has grown stronger, more connected, and more determined. With rising costs, we’ve kept player registration fees steady for three years running. That’s a big win for families and players and it’s thanks to the financial management and the incredible support of our sponsors.

A special shoutout to Big River Roofing, Wormald and Ultimate Windows for their continued commitment to our community, Blacklocks Ford and O’Neill Homes. Reflecting on the past year.

Wodonga Basketball have teamed up with Albury Basketball, Border Bandits, Basketball Victoria, and Basketball NSW to form a regional council (Albury, Wodonga, Border Bandits Council) focused on growing the game across Northeast Victoria and Southern NSW.

It’s a big step forward in creating clear pathways for players, coaches, and officials.

The launch of the Cross Border Youth Girls competition for U16/U18 players in partnership with Albury Basketball has been without its challenges and logistics, with Lauren Jackson Stadium refurbishments.

But the feedback we constantly receive from parents and players from both sides of the border is positive.

We look to extend this Division 1 competition over the coming years to create an even bigger competition in collaboration with Albury Basketball.

Our Representative Program continues to thrive, with 19 teams proudly competing across all age groups.

This past season, our Division 1 teams showcased their talent at the Junior Country Championships, achieving some fantastic results:

• U12 Boys: Reached the Division 3 semifinals

• U12 Girls: Finished in the top 8

• U14 Boys: Made it to the quarterfinals

• U14 Girls: Advanced to the Division 4 final, narrowly missing the title to Macedon Rangers

• U16 Boys: Reached the Division 2 quarterfinals

• U16 Girls: Competed strongly, making the Division 1 quarterfinals

• U18 Boys: Fought hard to reach the Division 2 semifinals

• U18 Girls: Overcame challenges to reach the Division 1 quarterfinals

As well as many athletes being chosen to represent Wodonga at state level, including Jamboree, Southern Cross Challenge, Australian Country Cup and State Development Program (SDP).

Congratulations to all players, coaches, and families for their dedication and hard work.

Your efforts continue to make our program a standout in regional basketball!

The Junior Representative Academy was officially launched in early August as a strategic initiative aimed at the development of emerging talent within our junior ranks.

Thank you to Jade and Tye, for initiating the program. The program is aimed to provide structured, high quality training and mentorship to young athletes showing representative potential and is led by coaching staff Sam Geuber.

This is in addition to our very popular domestic training opportunities for players to develop their skills.

We also welcomed Brett Harvey as our new Director of Coaching, helping us build up our coaching talent and support our volunteers.

Brett mentors the representative coaches as well as supports domestic coaches.

Our domestic season has had a change in the season structure, with week 3 being a bye for all junior teams.

This has allowed our amazing pooling coordinators time and space to make necessary adjustments to teams, as well as allowed an opportunity for parents to be able to attend coaching sessions and score bench training.

The feedback has been really positive with many parents expressing appreciation for the chance to learn more and be involved.

This has not only supported smoother operations but also strengthened our connection with families and volunteers.

There are so many success stories over the last 12 months, and the work from our volunteers does not go unnoticed.

Highlights include the representative presentation evenings, the success of the Wodonga Junior tournament led by Kaily, and the 3x3 tournament led by Jake. Additionally, the junior domestic competition committee, led by Madi, Tim, Matt (Our Child Safety Officer), has played a huge role in ensuring the smooth operation and safety of our junior competitions.

The hard work of the Administration staff who are the face of Wodonga Basketball, Michelle Stevens, Sara Scammell, Adrian Harris, and our Operations Manager, overseeing our success stories, Madi Zago.

We would also like to extend our appreciation to our incredible referee team, Karin, Alan, Mark, Jasper and Archer, for their tireless effort and dedication. Committed to fair play, professionalism and keeping the game running smoothly.

A few farewells As Allyssa Constable wraps up her time with us, I’d like to take a moment to reflect on and recognise the incredible impact she’s had on our association over the past three years.

Allyssa has been much more than our Treasurer, she’s been a consistent support, a strategic thinker, and a trusted voice.

Her work with our bookkeeper has helped keep Wodonga in a strong and stable financial position, and her commitment has given the board confidence in the decisions we make.

One of Allyssa’s key contributions was building our website from the ground up. It’s now one of our main communication tools and a key part of how we connect with our community.

She also played a big role in the recruitment process and was instrumental in bringing the 2023–2025 Strategic Plan to life. Her ability to see the big picture while keeping things grounded in reality has been invaluable.

Personally, Allyssa has been a sounding board for me, someone I could always rely on for honest feedback and thoughtful advice.

She’s helped keep the board accountable and focused, and she’s always encouraged a culture of inclusion and succession among our volunteers.

Allyssa has been committed, helping us build a strong, progressive staff team through hiring, training, and support.

To our other board member positions up for election — Jade Moscrop, Kaily Cullinger, Madi Cox, Jake Baird, and Tye Spierings. We are confident that each of you will continue your valuable contributions to the Association.

Your ongoing dedication, alongside the sound stability provided by Matt, Gayle, and Tim, ensures a strong and united leadership team moving forward.

I would also like to extend my thanks to all our members for your continued support, engagement, and commitment to the Association.

Your involvement is what keeps our community thriving, and we appreciate everything you do.

With a new leadership team, strong financial footing, and a clear vision, it’s time to start planning for the future, focusing on:

• Creating clear pathways for players from grassroots to elite levels

• Supporting and growing our coaching and referee programs

• Building stronger community connections and promoting inclusion

• Strengthening regional partnerships to open up more opportunities

We’re proud of how far we’ve come and even more excited about where we’re headed. Thank you to everyone who’s been part of the journey so far.

Let’s keep building Wodonga Basketball together!