Founder, and especially in the formative years, the lifeblood of what has become a very large and diversified club. A large part of why and how the Wildcats have grown to what it is today was David’s ability not just to enable children to play, but also to involve families in the Club’s activities. Whilst David began the Club, his passion has been maintained for six decades, during which it has grown from two Eltham High teams to nearly 300 Saturday junior teams, plus a highly regarded championship program. In 2017 he won the Vicsport Community Coach of the year. Of the myriad of teams that have represented Eltham, David has coached more than 400 of them. One of David’s lasting legacies that has benefited young members (and provided life skills) was the establishment of the Club’s junior administrator program, providing training and employment as venue administrators. Also, David was integral in the formation of the Eltham Wildcats Tournament, which from humble beginnings in the mid-70s, has grown to be the largest junior basketball tournament in the world. He has also made a significant contribution to the wider basketball community as a member of Basketball Victoria Board and long-term member of EDJBA and VJBL committees. This brief summary does not do justice to all the time and effort that David has contributed to the growth and success of the Eltham Club. David was awarded life membership in 1977.

Gwen received her life membership at the Club’s first life membership ceremony. Mother of four participants, Anita, David, Trevor and Paul, Gwen undertook being uniform officer when such time-consuming operations were out of a home. Also, she coached three teams, including initiating the Club’s first women’s team and became Vice President of the Club. Gwen received the equal first life membership in 1977 after eleven years of assisting the Club. Keith, Gwen’s husband, also assisted as a tour supervisor.

Jan became Club Secretary as Albert Clark became President. She had two children playing, Stephen and Ken who was also a coach. When the tournament commenced, Jan spent most of each day as the supervisor at Sheahans Rd Bulleen, as well as supporting fund-raising and attending to clerical matters and minutes of long committee meetings. Jan was awarded life membership in 1978.

Albert became President in 1973, becoming the Club’s first long-term President. He led the campaign to pressure Eltham Council to build basketball courts, mainly through SESRAC, a coalition of sporting groups in the shire. When that was finally successful, Albert spent hours requesting, one by one, club members to join the Co-operative which would fund the Club’s share of funding for Eltham Leisure Centre. Albert was a man of great integrity and kindness, supporting with wife Joan and son Robert all the club enterprises, especially the tournament. He was awarded life membership in 1978, and is also recognised by the annual Albert Clark Venue Assistance Award.

Bill lived near the top of Dalton St (now Withers Way) and taught at Fawkner High School. He connected with the Club and then brought experience as a coach to the Club. In addition to bringing some talented players from Fawkner, Bill helped develop a talented group of local players who surprised the junior basketball world by winning EDJBA premierships, making A grade finals in junior championship and made Victorian state teams. Bill then went on to assist those players enter elite senior championship ranks. Bill also assisted with junior selections, planning and as a committee member. His daughters Kylie and Jodie played for the Club, and wife Liz helped as player and coach. He was awarded life membership in 1979.

Michael was one year older that the first set of Eltham players, so he joined older teams and then was a member of two consecutive senior competition premiership Eltham teams. Like a high proportion of older juniors, he became a coach, and was coach of the Club’s first junior premiership team in 15C grade. After more junior success he coached our first senior “division” (representative equivalent Big V) team. Brother, David was the Club’s first homegrown referee. Later Michael returned to the Club as a coach when his children Daniel, Simon, Lisa and Jessica were club members. Michael was awarded life membership in 1980, becoming the first person who had played for the Club as a junior to receive the award.

Myra became Club Treasurer in 1975. It was a time when the Treasurer had to deal with fund-raising, cash management as most payments were cash or cheque and numerous expenses and income from tours. The financial records were kept with thoroughness and much time was invested in ensuring all subscriptions were paid. Myra accompanied the 1984 New Zealand tour. Those tasks, and involvement with the teams of her three boys, Gary, Robert and Steven, kept her occupied until 1984. But Myra was far from finished helping the Club. She became the club’s first part-time worker two afternoons a week, helping with many administrative tasks, her long experience being so valuable advice to inquirers. After retirement from that task Myra continued to help with the tournament. Husband Ken also helped with many practical tasks around the Club. Myra was awarded life membership in 1981.

Ron, a Viewbank resident, will forever hold the record for winning most Saturday junior premierships in the Club. He commenced coaching his children, Anne, David and Matthew, but soon branched out into championship coaching, and Saturday coaching of both beginner teams and older teams on Saturdays. A highlight was his success in getting his Under 14 Championship team to the Australian Club Championships in Adelaide in 1981. Ron was awarded life membership in 1981 but continued to coach multiple teams until early in the decade commencing in 2010, holding the record for premierships won. His Under 17 & Under 18 boys’ teams were almost routinely EDJBA premiers.

Peter was tour director for the American tour of early 1979, taking a lead in itinerary organisation and other arrangements. At that stage Peter had already been on committee for several years and provided support for his four children, Janet, Alison, Ross and Bruce. On return he became President 1979-83. His consistent theme was high standards of sportsmanship. He and Maureen acted as host for events for frequent international visiting groups and accompanied the 1981 New Zealand tour After stepping down as President he continued his association with the Club. When Janet, his oldest daughter was tragically killed in an air accident, Peter instituted a senior girls’ annual sportsmanship award in her memory. Bruce Hultgren (second son), who reached the heights of playing basketball in Victoria and coached for the club, has continued his interest in the Club, acting as compere in the 50th celebrations. 1982

Jill first became involved in the Club when her son Peter started playing in 1971, followed soon after by her daughters Kerry, Shelley and Jodi. As head of the administrative section of the La Trobe University Sociology Department, Jill’s skills were soon utilised in helping produce newsletters and other documents for the club. From 1978 to 1983 she was Club Secretary. At the same time Jill, assisted by Lyn Burnham, was the organising force behind the development of girls’ championship teams in which Jodi Gooch was a key member. Jill also became an expert in tour organisation, being involved with a tour of the Eastern coast of Australia and then New Zealand in 1981. Jill was awarded life membership in 1982.

Originally a Banyule student and basketballer, and then senior player John took up refereeing and was invited to officiate at Try Youth Club West Heidelberg, when Eltham had their home games there. Soon John was coaching for Eltham as well as providing leadership in refereeing. He made huge contributions as a championship coach of a strong boys’ teams which included state players and made finals, and also the pioneering girls’ championship teams. John then went on to coach senior division teams (= Big V today) helping them climb up several divisions. John maintained that interest as an organiser for the next twenty years. Leaving employment in the bank, John managed Coburg and Mill Park, before becoming Eltham’s first full-time Venue Manager 2000 to 2009. His expertise in venues as well as financial knowledge was crucial in the planning of both Eltham High and Montmorency SC. Many hours were spent at meetings monitoring construction and financial negotiations. After a short period, John resumed financial management of the Club for a further four years as well as being Treasurer of the EDJBA for more than half a decade. John and Barbara’ s children also made distinctive contributions, Kellie as a venue supervisor and Glen as player and referee. John received life membership in 1982, long before he had finished his distinguished career with Eltham.

John was a pioneer of girls’ teams at Eltham. Along with Jim Jennings he put time and skill into developing teams. Father of Sharon and Nicole, two talented players, he coached both Saturday and the first girls’ championship team when that meant travelling to Albert Park on Saturday nights. John also contributed as a committee member for several years. He was granted life membership in 1983.

Joan and Neil Wain became helpers in the Club as their sons Peter and Brad, both outstanding players who made Victorian state teams, became involved late in the 1970s. Joan joined the Committee and became Uniforms Co-ordinator, a huge job run from home when there was no shop, continuing in that task for over a decade. Joan was also a major initiator of fund-raising efforts in the Club, for instance organising a fashion parade. Neil assisted by doing practical jobs around the venue. Joan and Neil were leaders in the 1981 New Zealand tour. Joan was awarded life membership in 1985.

Wayne first became known to the Club as an enthusiastic twelve years old player from Try Boys west Heidelberg who was keen enough to sit on the score bench for numerous games each week at what was then Eltham’s home venue. After graduating from junior ranks, he took up coaching seriously, and was soon coaching some of Eltham’s top boys’ teams, which routinely made the finals in the equivalent of VC. As a coach, he contributed to the development of many players, including about a dozen who played for state teams and some of whom reached NBL ranks. Later Wayne moved into coaching state teams, involvement in the national program and for a period was Coaches Championship Adviser for Eltham. He also assisted with organising the New Zealand 1981 tour. Wayne also gained employment with the VBA (now BV) for a period. He became a life member in 1985.

Margaret became involved with Eltham through the co-operation between Ashwood Basketball Club and Eltham in regard to championship teams and tours, originated through Alan Baxter and Bruce Ford. Her sons Grant and Brendan played championship for Eltham and Grant went on the American tour. Margaret joined the Eltham Committee and then also joined the VABA (now BV) committee, providing a valuable liaison. She was particularly active in supporting the senior championship teams in which Grant became a key member. After nearly a decade of committee service, Margaret was awarded life membership in 1986.

Marjory’s family went to Montmorency South Primary and each of Cameron, Craig, Grant, Sharon and Adrian, played for the school and then the club. Marjory’s interest in the primary competition went beyond her children’s involvement, so she became co-ordinator of the competition and supervisor three afternoons a week when the competition had well over a hundred teams competing. She continued this task for over a decade, and also encouraged her children to help the club as administrators, referees and coaches. Marjory was awarded life membership in 1986.

Don was an innovative President. He was responsible for calling the newsletter PROWL. With Peter Wilson he developed the Art Show, which became an important fund-raiser. He persuaded comedian Bob Hope to be club patron as Bob came from Eltham England. Father of Merryn, Euan and Colby he was active in promoting Eltham’ senior championship program. Don was President from 1983 to 1989, a period of rapid growth and diversification of the program, and a lot of committee meetings to deal with new developments and issues. For a while he was on the Executive of VBA. He was awarded life membership in 1989.

Judy became involved through the participation of her sons, Adam and Lucas. Once involved, she spent hours in various tasks around the Club. Sitting at the door of the Leisure Centre Judy recruited other people for tasks and helped fund raising by selling whatever was going. Judy was a major organiser of the deb balls the Club ran, she sat on the stall for sales at the Art Shows, took on the processing of results at the Eltham Tournament and the production of the newsletter. All that as well as being Club Secretary from 1983 to 1986. In 1990 Judy helped produce a 25 Years booklet. Judy became a life member in1989.

Chris originally coached for the small Surrey Hill Miscellaneous Activities Club which participated in the EDJBA (they eventually became part of Whitehorse). He became a championship coach at Eltham, coaching principally younger boys’ teams. He also assisted the Club as a referee, and for several years appointed referees to the tournament. Chris continued to help with tournament fixtures, donating the boards, which for decades were marked out for tournament venues. Chris was also involved in assisting with Port Sorrell camps. His most memorable achievement was coaching the Club’s first A grade (=VC) premiership team, 12A Boys in 1992. Chris gained life membership in 1990. He also coached his son,Alex in Saturday competition.

Lorraine commenced her involvement with basketball when she started organising and often coaching Eltham Primary School teams. Soon Lorraine was coaching Eltham club teams as well, especially with two daughters, Lisa and Sarah and a son Jason playing. Lorraine continued coaching way after her own children finished, but she also branched into organising Port Sorrell camps, tours in Australia, an American tour and being a State Team Manager. She spent years on the Committee and for a few years, being Vice President. To round out her multiple tasks for the Club, Lorraine also undertook venue management during the tournament at Diamond Valley and then Eltham Leisure Centre, adding assisting Angela and Tony Bearzatto in tournament financial management during the 2010-20 period. At the time of writing, (2022), Lorraine is still assisting coaches of her grandchildren, making her one of the five members with the longest association with the club. Life membership was achieved by 1990.

David was one of those many leaders around the club who did nearly everything. With three daughters, Justine, Jill and Alison, he was deeply involved in coaching girls’ teams and in the organisation of them. He also coached some boys’ teams. He was a hands-on helper with the tournament, for a while being the convenor. Each Art Show he would be a night guardian of exhibits. A long-term committee member, David was the Vice President for a period. He and wife Joan would run an open house at their address in Bolton St on Friday evenings after game completion. At the time of writing (2022) David is still around the venues at times to watch his grandchildren play. David became a life member in 1990.

Neville began his involvement with the Club in the second half of the 1970s as his three daughters, Peta, Katrina and Nadja, were playing. He was a qualified referee in an era where there were few adult referees. Neville took a leading role in developing referees until Gerry Carstairs was appointed. In 1981 he won the President’s referees award. Less well known is his contribution to coaching where he assisted both girls’ and boys’ programs. He was one of the first coaches to provide written feedback on games to his teams. He also ran several clinics. Neville was granted life membership in 1991, but continued to help out by attending Cooperative Annual meetings.

June’s sons Cameron and Todd started their basketball career at Greenhills but when they joined Eltham, June soon became involved. She supported the championship program, particularly senior championship. However, her most substantial contribution was being tribunal secretary for nearly twenty years, after Eltham formed a tribunal when granted association status. June also supported fund-raising efforts and supported the senior championship teams. Life membership was granted to June in 1991.

Kevin might well be called Mr Everything. Kevin’s children Stephen, Leonie, Jamie and Karen, were supported by him but he also took a wider interest in the Club. Kevin was a tour organiser, away tournament organiser, Eltham tournament organiser, coach of boys’ and girls’ teams, referee, keeper of primary competition ladders. odd job man, girls’ teams’ coordinator and supporter for his family. Kevin was a frequent organiser and leader of camps at Port Sorrell. His contribution spans four decades, making him among the eight longest contributors to the Club. Even when he stopped coaching, he continued on as a Cooperative director. Kevin accepted life membership in 1994.

David first made his mark on Eltham Wildcats as a coach. He supported his three sons Damian, Shane and Nathan, but also coached other Championship and Saturday teams. Then he joined the Committee, with a particular focus on the senior program and as chairperson of Junior Boys’ Championship Committee. In 1990 he became President and served in that role until in 1992 he moved to NSW for work. On return he continued his active support and was a member of the Finance committee and a reviewer of staff appointments for over a decade. Colleen was also active in helping organise events such as deb balls. In 2022 Nathan is coaching his grandchildren in the Club. David was a 1994 appointment to life membership.

Barbara supported John and Children Glen and Kellie in their roles in the club, but also made multiple contributions herself. When Eltham Leisure Centre opened, she organised the Women’s mid-week competitions. She acted as hostess for visiting teams for the Eltham Tournament. With Judy Finlay and Marie Kerr, Barbara was an organiser of a succession of debutante balls. She also developed score bench expertise to assist when that was required. Finally, Barbara was Secretary of the Club 1991 to 1995. In 1994 she was awarded life membership.

Glenda commenced her involvement as a parent of Michael, Rod and Craig and a coach. Soon she had become so involved in the boys’ program in matters such as selection and policies that she became Coaches’ Representative on the Committee, a position she held for over twenty years. The Freame family won the Supporters Award in 90/91.Then Glenda took over the running of the primary school competition, unfortunately as it was beginning to decline due to many factors beyond her control. Glenda continued to coach on Saturdays and be a member of the boys’ championship committee as well. Glenda became a life member in 1995.

Like most other members, Peter first became involved in the Club as a parent of Jai and Carly, but an active one. When Jai made the 14 A Championship team which finished in finals and qualified for the Australian Championships, Peter was team manager. He also managed the senior championship men’s team and for a period, appointed the mid-week referees. Peter became a regular tournament unpaid venue supervisor, usually at Diamond Valley. Realising the need for adult referees, he qualified and officiated for many years. In 1992 he won the major referees’ award. Finally, Peter became the chairperson of the Tribunal a position he held until into the second decade of this century. Peter was granted life membership in 1996.

Dennis, father of D’Wayne, Rebecca and Dwight, became involved in coaching as soon as his children joined the Club, and soon made his mark as a championship coach of younger boys and girls. He was a great teacher of skills to Under 12 players. Dennis stepped in to help as chairperson of Championship boys when the position was vacant. In 2001 he was elected President of the Club and served in that role until 2004. Dennis also acted as the clinician at a number of Warburton camps. Dennis became a life member in 1996.

Kaye supported her three sons Glen, Andrew and Scott through team managing and scoring, but then took over for a decade the care and distribution of uniforms. She supported strongly all the Club’s fund-raising efforts. Then for twenty plus years, every week of the competition, Kaye collected, washed and returned the change sets for the mid-week senior competitions. In the early years of the third decade, she has a grandson playing Championship and Saturdays. Kaye was another recipient of life membership in 1996.

Cathy came from a family with basketball running through their veins, so it was not surprising Paula, Alison (Jack) and Ben were enrolled to play. Cathy started as a grade convenor for Saturday teams, but then stepped into overall Saturday Convenor when there was a vacancy. At the same time, she assisted with the girls’ primary competition. By Summer season 1989/90 the Cukier family had already won the Supporters Award. Then she came a member of the Committee and the Executive and coordinator of Championship girls. In these multiple roles Cathy developed the numbers and strength of the female program. Cathy continued in the roles for many years. In addition, she looked after appeals and tribunals for the tournament, was a fixture day helper and was a member of the EDJBA committee. In a wider context, Cathy has been a state team manager. After moving on in 2014 from the hands-on organiser role, Cathy continued her contribution at the Committee level as Vice President with particular responsibility for staffing issues. Long before much of her huge contribution to the Club, Cathy received life membership in 1999. Recently Cathy was awarded BV recognition for 35 years’ service to basketball. Only in 2021 did Cathy retire from the Executive. Cathy has been among the five longest contributors to the Club.

Sue commenced her involvement with Eltham Wildcats as co-ordinator of Eltham Primary School teams in which her three sons Cameron, Ryan and Heath played. Later she helped to organise the competition. Sue soon became active in many areas of the Club, including being a tour organiser, tournament assistant, EDJBA fixture day helper, and contributor to fund-raising efforts. She became the Club’s second part-time clerical assistant, accumulating a huge amount of club knowledge, enabling her to answer members’ questions. The Cross family won the Supporters’ Award in 92/93 which also reflected on assistance given by Norm Cross in the Tournament food stall and Co-operative banking, and the contribution of the boys. Sue held the administrator position until 2018. She also assisted with the administration of the Eastern regional side of the VJBL for over a decade. Sue was awarded life membership in 1999.

Ron’s first non-family related contact with the Club was to phone the Club to offer to coach a 16D boys’ team for whom an appeal was made. That was typical of Ron’s dedicated caring service. His children, Sally and Marcus were both distinguished championship players, so Ron was soon involved in championship coaching, which he did so well he was appointed to an Under 12A grade team. When there was a vacancy in co-ordinating the Saturday girls’ program, he stepped in there. The Johnson family won the Supporters Award in Winter 1993. Ron was awarded life membership in 1999, but unfortunately passed away at a relatively young age.

Charles was the father of Kirsty and Allie Douglas, the latter being an exceptionally talented basketballer. He became involved in the girls’ program as convenor and then the women’s program as well as being a coach of both girls’ and boys’ teams. He assisted programming the fixtures for the Eltham Tournament. He became President in 1992 and handed over in 2001. He devoted many hours to forwarding the senior women’s program. Charles was awarded life membership in 2000.

Gary was a distinguished player in the Saturday and championship program, but also started coaching at a young age. Eventually Gary became a championship coach, coaching the 1977 boys’ age group finals’ participant team in 12A grade. He also won the major refereeing award in 1994. After continuing to assist the Club for many more years, Gary was granted life membership in 2000. Gary’s mother Beverley assisted the Club for three decades as keeper of Old Montmorency court key.

Steve, father of Rachel and Steve Junior, contributed to the Club in many ways. He coached numerous girls’ and boys’ teams and helped with tours. However, Steve’s longest commitment was to refereeing. In 1985 he won the President’s award for refereeing, but continued for another two decades contributing in this way. In Winter 1995 the work of the Jablonski family was recognised by the Supporters Award. Steve also assisted the Club with his expertise as an electrician. In 2001 he was awarded life membership.

Peter became involved when two of his children (Justin and Danielle) began participation in the Club. He volunteered to coach, eventually coaching our Under 20 VC men’s team. With a strong finance background, Peter undertook the role of Club Treasurer from 1993 to 2003, until the Club reached a size that this role could not properly be done on a part-time basis and was then undertaken by the Senior Administrator. Peter is still a member on the Finance Committee. Commencing in tournament activities as the results and ladders coordinator, a hectic task at the concluding stages of the tournament, Peter then became Tournament Director after the lengthy leadership of Brian Skelley, while continuing the results coordinator role. He has now been involved in the tournament for over 30 years and in 2023 will have been the Tournament Director for 18 years. In 2018 Peter became President of the Club, and also resumed coaching. Whilst currently not coaching, Peter remains as Club President. Peter was awarded life membership in 2002.

Kylie first made her mark at the Club as a distinguished championship player in juniors and seniors. However, she soon branched out into other areas. She began coaching junior boys’ team and soon graduated to VC teams including a team that finished third in VC, unlucky not to defeat a talented Melbourne Tigers team. Following on that, Kylie specialised in running camps, especially at Warburton. Her dedication to helping players achieve led her to being the Club’s Saturday Coach Adviser for several years and also membership of the championship boys’ committee. Meanwhile Kylie became a major helper in producing fixtures for the Eltham Tournament and also took on venue administration, which prepared for her current role, now at 2022 for over a decade, as Manager of the Rings (Ringwood venue). Kylie had earned life membership in 2003. Kylie is married to life member Steve, and their daughter, Chloe has played in the Eltham Tournament.

Paula commenced her time at Eltham as a Saturday and Championship player but soon involved in multiple ways. Early in her junior career Paula became a coach and a junior administrator. In particular she assisted with venue coordination. Next came membership of the girls’ championship committee and delegate to the VJBL Between 1996 and 2002 Paula was Secretary of the Club. There was a brief retreat while raising young children Lauryn and Breanna, but then Paula was back coaching and helping with organisation. In 2022 Paula is Chair of the Domestic Junior Committee, Vice President and Assistant Coach Women’s NBL One team. Paula was rewarded with life membership in 2004, becoming the first daughter of a life member to become a life member also.

Joyce and Peter became involved when Michael and Leigh started playing for Hurstbridge Primary School and then Eltham. They both became referees and coaches. Then Joyce became a Grade Convenor which led in turn to taking on the Boys’ Teams’ Convenor role, a huge task involving liaison with Grade Convenors, dealing with issues, attending 6-10 selection evenings each season and then compiling team lists often for over one hundred teams. Joyce’s experience as a teacher helped with dealing with both players and parents. Being a Convenor also meant being a General Committee member. Joyce continued in this time-consuming task boys’ convenor role for well over a decade, easily the longest period in that role. As if this was not enough, Joyce also assisted the EDJBA as a monitor of special permissions and in 2022 was continuing to do so. Joyce became a life member in 2004.

Peter’s involvement started with his support for Michael, Gavin and Stuart, all talented basketballers. He was very quick to learn the art of coaching and indeed took it to another level. His 14 VC team had a great season, only narrowly missing a VC premiership but winning the Australian Club Championship contributing to the development of many juniors. He made up for it in Under 18VC with a similar team and a notable premiership after a season of strong player management. Similar success came when Peter took a hand at coaching the senior Club’s championship women. Peter was also supporting the organisational side of the Club as Chairperson of the boys’ championship committee, while he and Anne were regular venue chiefs during the Eltham Tournament. In 1993/4 the Thomson family won the Supporters’ Award. Peter was another 2004 recipient of life membership.

Angela, mother of Danny, Phillip, Luke and Jessica, was never prepared to be just a recipient of Club assistance, so was soon volunteering for tasks around the Club. After involvement in helping Our Lady’s School in the Club Primary Competition, in the Art Show, and typing the PROWL newsletter. Angela took on the huge task of Subscriptions Secretary, which meant not only record-keeping but chasing those who were late in player payments. She assisted those selecting teams by continuous up-dating of enrolments. Angela was also busy helping the Women’s program in which Jessica was a key performer. Finally, Angela and Tony prepared the venue manual and box of required notices and useful materials for the tournament and then tallied the takings and banked them. That was after Angela had received life membership in 2005.

Gary is the father of Adam, Kylie and Troy, who all were significant players and helpers in the Club. He soon became an active contributor as a referee, a coach and also helping run a venue in the Eltham Tournament. He was an enthusiastic supporter of the Art Show and other fund-raising. Later Gary became one of the most hard-working referee coaches, particularly on Friday evenings. In addition to his formal duties, he and Lyn were often hosting suppers at their home. The Jones family won the Supporters’ Award in the 1998/99 season, after many years of service but Gary was still working around the Club in 2019. He gained life membership in 2005.

After ten years of refereeing experience at Coburg, Steve came to Eltham as Assistant Director of Refereeing to Gerry Carstairs in 1984. He helped coaching for a while when son, Tim, and daughters, Kimberley and Merinda, started playing but Steve’s focus was to become an expert educator of referees, which was soon recognised by selection to the panel of NBL referee coaches. Since 1993 he has also had policy input through what is now known as the Technical Commission. Meanwhile Steve valued working with Gerry and became his successor in 2001. He gradually developed a number of Assistant Coach educators who specialised in particular areas of referee development. Another of his emphases was seeking to educate coaches about the rules, while also helping referees see what coaches were expecting. In 2003 Steve became life member of the VBRA. At Eltham he ensured the Club fulfilled its elite panel requirements and also that there was adequate referee supervision at the huge tournament. In 2006 these efforts were rewarded with life membership of the Club. VBRA honoured Steve as the Referees’ Adviser of the Year in 2017 and twice Eltham Referees’ Association has won the BV Best Referees’ Program award under his stewardship. in 2022 Steve is still Director of Refereeing at Eltham, a referee coach for NBL One, but also has had for four challenging years the role of Financial Officer of the Club.

Rod had a distinguished involvement in the Club as a player, but soon made his impact as a junior coach. From that he took on championship coaching and after an apprenticeship with lower teams he was given a couple of championship teams including a 14VC boys’ team, which enjoyed the club’s first boys Under 14 VC premiership in a stirring unexpected win against Dandenong on their home court. Rod also serviced the coaches’ library for many years. He was awarded life membership in 2007.

Paul has been around the Club for most of the time since 1969. As a junior he was ca member of some famous A grade premiership teams, including the Club’s first Under 12& 13A grade pennants, as well as strong championship teams. He also coached for the Club for a number of seasons. After a brief interval he returned to coaching when Matthew and Sophie and Jessica, his children, were playing. He has been coaching ever since and in late second decade of this century was coaching his grandchild as well as other teams. Paul would be among the top eight in the club history for number of teams coached. For this long and thoughtful service, Paul was granted life membership in 2008.

Geoff became involved through his son Adam, a long-term, talented player in the EDJBA and VJBL. Frequently, a team manager, he became a member of the Boys’ Championship Committee, assisting in that capacity for a decade. He also became one of the volunteers who ran a venue during the Eltham Tournament. Geoff then assisted the senior program for a number of years. Geoff was awarded life membership in 2010.

Jon’s initial involvement in the Club was through coaching his daughter Natasha and his son, Garth in Under 10 to under 16 age groups. During that time, he joined the boys’ championship committee, eventually becoming Chairperson. This led to involvement in the General Committee and ultimately to being President from 2005 to 2010.

As well as presiding over the Committee at some times of difficulty and change, Jon was a significant contributor to the Tournament as one of the “flying” squad who moved from venue to venue to support the venue staff. In addition, Jon’s business provided board sponsorship for the Club. Jon was awarded life membership in 2010.

Ben had a distinguished junior career which included being a member of the first Eltham A GRADE/VC premiership in Under 12s. Well before his junior playing career had finished, Ben was coaching teams on Saturdays and then Championship. This led to a successions of VC premierships in the girls’ section. Ben leads the field in terms of coaching VC premiership teams and has assisted the development of many players to achieve high honours. He also became the coach of some successful Victorian state teams. Ben has also served two different teams as Coaches’ Director of the girls’ program with what that entails in terms of appointments, trials and organisation. He now has his four children Sia, Harvey, Quinn and Macy, in the program at various stages. Ben was rewarded with life membership in 2011.

Rob became involved because his nephews Adam and Sam Lord started playing. He started coaching beginners with the crusade of ensuring they all were taught skills and had equal time on the court. He often coached three or four teams. Rob then started to watch younger teams play and sent notes back to the Club which were useful for future selections and rewarding strong performances with publicity. There were often reports about four to seven teams per Saturday. In Late December and early January, Rob assisted with the menial but essential tasks of fixturing for the tournament, such as preparing cards, checking time gaps between games and checking compatibilities for coaches. This constituted about a hundred hours of voluntary help each year, over a period of almost twenty years. Rob received life membership in 2011.

Lyn Haines (Milczuk) was one of a large family of distinguished players who helped establish the foundation of the club in the seventies. She then returned to the Club as the mother of Jaclyn, Reagan, Brent and Rachel, and she took up coaching boys’ and girls’ teams for a decade. Lyn then turned her attention to the girls’ championship program, becoming convenor from 2009 to 2013. In this role Lyn joined the General Committee and eventually became Vice President, helping to deal with many selections of staff and thorny issues. Lyn became a Life Member in 2011. Lyn continued on the Committee until 2017.

Jill, the daughter of life member, David Bogle, was a super-active member of the Club as soon as she started playing. Following the tradition of junior coaching, Jill was soon involved there, but also in junior administration. As early as 82/83 she won the junior outstanding club service award. Jill also assisted at camps and helped with fund-raising efforts. After a brief break Jill was back coaching as her children Kaylen and Lachlan, started playing. She also set to the task of skill development of the younger players in the Club, setting up many juniors to a fine basketball future. In 2011 she enjoyed the success of being the coach of a an Under 12VC premiership team, the second for the Club t that age and level. In 2012 Jill was awarded life membership.

David is the father of Leanne, Ross and Dale who in various ways were great junior members. He took on coaching Saturday teams and became a regular venue supervisor for the Eltham Tournament and member of the Tournament Committee. He continued this involvement way after his children had graduated. Then David also agreed to be a director of the Eltham Co-Operative at which task he has assisted for over eight years. David became a life member in 2012.

After starting at another club, Rachel joined Eltham in 1982, playing in some significantly strong Saturday and Championship teams. The highlight of her playing career was being in the runner-up team in CVIBL the country equivalent of Big V today. Rachel’s coaching career started at the age of 15 and has not ceased since then. This included helping early in their playing career distinguished players who have moved into elite teams. In Canberra for three years, Rachel was Assistant Coach for the state team. In 2022 she is coaching her nephew in Championship. As a junior Rachel also became a junior administrator after taking the first formal course and then supervising both one week night and in the tournament. Since 2018 Rachel has headed up the Well Being Panel and is a member of the Executive. Rachel obtained life membership in 2012.

When Joyce Hickling became involved, so husband, Peter did also. Peter focussed on coaching and refereeing which continued long after Michael and Leigh had graduated. Indeed, he and a group of friends self-titled as the “dinosaur club”, his renowned refereeing partner well into the 21st century being Ron Houston. He coached middle-aged junior girls’ teams for two decades, some of whom keep in contact with a coach who helped them along life’s way. Peter also assisted in tournament organisation. He received life membership in 2012, becoming the second instance where marriage partners both obtained life membership.

Greg commenced his involvement, as so many, as a father, in his case of Tony who was a strong junior championship player. Greg commenced coaching and also refereeing. He continued the refereeing for well over a decade but the coaching was to continue from the late 1980s to 2018, one of the longest coaching stints in the club’s history. Earlier in this period it was Saturdays and Championship. In later years, Greg concentrated on Under 16 boys’ championship. He became an expert at team development during the season, with a number of his teams winning premierships after being only mid-ladder at the half-way mark. Greg was granted life membership in 2013. In 2022 Tony in turn is coaching his son at the Club.

The Club has had a history of Championship administrative helpers but no one in the boys’ program has had the endurance of Kathy. First involved as a parent of Luke, Joel and David, Kathy and her friend Narelle Parsons took over boys’ championship administration in 1997. Kathy was still working at the tasks (last decade without Narelle) until early 2020. This involved a huge workload at selection time, attendance at nearly all trials, continuing communication with team managers and coaches, and about nine meetings of the boys’ championship committee per year. For a time, she was also delegate to the VJBL. Kathy also helped develop an “All Abilities” group at Eltham which played at Doncaster and in the Eltham Tournament. Finally, Kathy would seek out organisers and coaches of the interstate and domestic teams on their first day of involvement in the Eltham Tournament, providing a personal welcome and answering any queries. Kathy’ life membership was awarded in 2013.

Des first came to the Club in 1988, playing in the Over 30s. Just over ten years later he started refereeing. In 2003 he began working with Damian Adams, appointing referees for the Eltham tournament. That is a huge task, firstly tracking down enough referees for the largest junior basketball tournament in the world, then, the frantic ten to thirteen days before the tournament, allocating them to venues and times, then just before and during the tournament, the last-minute withdrawals. 2022 meant twenty years on that task. Shortly after, taking on that task, Des also took over the mid-week referee appointments and then Friday and Saturday appointments. His attention to all the details of referee compatibilities with other commitments, training of referee requirements and game suitability has been outstanding. He also added quite a lot of venue supervision. In 2014 Des won Basketball Victoria’s Administrator of the Year Award, and that was also the year he was awarded Life Membership at Eltham.

Matt came to Eltham from St Martin’s Primary School along with some friends, and brothers and sisters in Lyn and Kevin’s large family. The entire Burnham family were great contributors to the Club as referees, administrators and coaches. The highlight of Matt’s distinguished junior career was participation in the Under 14 Australian Club Championship in Adelaide. Like many of his age group, and his siblings he became a junior referee, administrator and coach. At one stage he coached the Club’s second Under 12A boys’ team. After a break, Matt returned to coach Saturdays and in the VJBL, including his daughter, Amy and his son Jacob. Once again, he made a major contribution in championship coaching. He received life membership in 2014. The Burnham tradition is being continued by his son, Jacob, who in 2022 was Operations Manager at the Club as well as a coach.

Ron joined Eltham basketball Club when his daughter Melanie and son Andrew started playing (later Andrew tragically died in an electrical accident). He coached both boys’ and girls’ teams for about six years, but was also took up refereeing in 1989. He became a leader in that field, assisting in the evaluation of junior panel referees, and becoming an Assistant Referees Coach at Eltham with Steve’s leadership. Then Ron took on the huge task of appointment of referees for the tournament for half a decade, which occupied just about all January each year. Ron valued the comradeship in the refereeing fraternity, particularly the “dinosaur club”, including Peter Hickling , Gary Jones, Paul and John Sharpe and Peter Cesari. Ron was awarded life membership in 2014.

Anthony became involved in the club in helping roles as soon as his family started to participate. At first it was coaching, but then a series of organisational roles. He became a member of the girls’ championship committee and then a helper in the senior women’s program. Also active in fund-raising ventures, Anthony, with Angela undertook to prepare the Tournament manual and materials for the venues each year. Each evening of the Tournament he assisted with tallying, records and banking. He also became a member of the General Committee. In 2015 Tony became the second husband-wife combination to both be awarded life membership.

Laurie commenced his refereeing career at Coburg, soon rising to a grade status. After a break he happened to meet Steve Chadd who persuaded him to return to refereeing, this time at Eltham. Both he and his then wife and all five children, Mathew, Kate, Amanda, Kyle and Meghan became active referees, probably a record, certainly at that time. Laurie then became a referee coach, not only for Eltham, but also for the panels of VJBL and Big V. When Steve became Director of Refereeing, Laurie became his deputy. In that role he controlled each beginner course, developing an innovative blend of theory and on-court practice. In addition, he contributed to other courses, served on the referees’ committee and was the regular referee coach for the Monday night competition. Laurie’s award of life membership was 2016.

Stephen’s greatest contribution was persuading many families to contribute to the Eltham Basketball Co-Operative which was important in gaining the licence to operate in the Eltham Leisure Centre. He was Vice President 1978-79, a committee member for longer, and also played a major role in the tournament organisation for close to a decade. In a few years the fixtures were developed in the Courtnay lounge. The Courtnay family assisted with fundraising efforts. He and Carole supported their four children Lisa, Martin and Chris, Lucas in their teams, and in turn their grandchildren have played in the Club. Stephen has been recognised by both life membership and an annual Supporters’ Award.

When son Ben, and daughter Hayley, started playing in 2002, Trevor developed a partnership with Alex Grigoruk as his Assistant Coach. They developed a great culture among a group of players, many of whom stayed together for the next three years. Trevor then became a referee and in 2022 is still officiating on Friday nights. In 2004 Trevor joined the boys’ championship committee. In 2011 he became the Chair and continued in that role until 2016. His dedication to fairness and just outcomes was appreciated. Yet a further contribution was through being the venue boss at Eltham High for the first two days of the Tournament for well over a decade. In 2016 Trevor received life membership. In 2022 Trevor was still refereeing for the Club.

Peter became involved through the participation of daughter Jess and son Nick. He took on coaching and refereeing, eventually focussing on the refereeing. He was consistently available and conscientious. It was not surprising he was selected as a referee coach as the program expanded. He assisted many times when others were unavailable. Peter continued to serve in that capacity for many years. In addition, Peter has often worked with Jess as venue supervisor during the tournament. In 2016 Peter received life membership.

Alicia commenced being a junior administrator in 2002. Her skills and dedication soon led to her appointment as a major venue supervisor, in particular looking after Eltham High on the busy VJBL Friday night. Beginning as a venue supervisor in the Eltham Tournament, Alicia moved to a major office role, tabulating results and calculating finals’ positions. Then, after refinement of the entry process, she took charge of processing these entries ich often required communication with those clubs who had entered. Alicia also made time to assist the senior elite program as a statistician from 2005 and advanced her skills so much in that area that she was selected to be a statistician at NBL, Australian and international levels. She carried out all these duties in a pleasant and unflappable manner. In 2017 Alicia became a Life Member, and in 2022 is still performing most of those tasks.

D’Wayne, son of Dennis and Yvonne, and now husband of Paula, also a life member, soon made his mark as a strong player in the EDJBA and Championship competitions. But he was also an early starter as junior administrator (age 12) and coach (age 13), as which he was involved in both boys’ and girls’ programs. He then moved into championship coaching for the boys’ 1992-95 and girls 1996-2001. D’Wayne also became involved in the women’s senior championship program as a team manager and then coach 1997 and from 2016 to the current 2022. His enthusiasm and dedication to coaching were also exemplified by help with clinics, training new coaches and coaching at some BV camps. A highlight was taking his Under 14 girls’ championship team to the Australian championships and finishing in bronze medal position in 2017. D’Wayne earned life membership in 2018.

Dale started his basketball career much later than most players of that era. By under 16s he made a lower championship team, and from there worked his way to the first team in Under 20s. Development continued, so he went on to be a regular member of the top Eltham Big V team and captain of the team for many years. But meanwhile Dale was helping the club as a junior and then senior administrator, an occasional coach and a referee. He continued to assist as an administrator both weekly and in the Tournament and as a referee for many years. When he earned life membership in 2018, he became the equal first son-father combination for that award. In 2022 he is back coaching again.

Jason, the son of life member Lorraine, was a strong player, noted especially for his defence. Before his junior career was far advanced, Jason was assisting the Club as a junior administrator and coach. He then moved into championship coaching, contributing also to a number of Port Sorrell camps. After a break, featuring being a mechanic for V8 supercars and establishing a family and business, Jason returned with the involvement of his sons Bailey and Max, and has been coaching at various levels for a decade. He has a great partnership with his mother who assists his efforts. Wife, Shelley, who was also a player in the Club has also assisted as a coach. In 2019 Jason assisted with a program designed to support and educate coaches at the Under 13 level. In 2022 he was appointed to the role of Championship Co-ordinator for Under 12s & 14s. Jason was awarded life membership in 2018.

Anthea became Secretary of the EWBC in 2010 and finished in May 2022.

Anthea’s dedication to this role and the quality input she provided to both the General Committee and to the Executive Committee was exceptional.

Anthea contributed significantly to the development of the Club’s Strategic Plan and was very proactive in the updating of the Club’s policies.

Not long after Anthea became Secretary, she became aware that David Hickman, whilst doing the fixtures for our annual tournament, was being continually interrupted to contact people to be part of a roster of helpers. She offered to take over the rostering, which she did efficiently, usually involving lots of phone calls. Whenever Anthea could not fill the roster, she insisted on coming herself, sometimes with her father or one of her sons. Then during the period of player enrolment and the pick-up of game information etc., Anthea would be present just about all the time. At those times she was able to help with any other issues and inquiries. Whilst this has not been necessary in recent years, most of the Eltham families participating in our tournament will recall how well these tasks were done with little or no fuss.

One of Anthea’s most significant contributions to the Club has been her input in times where the Club has had a difficult situation to deal with. Her measured approach to fully understanding the issues and pragmatic suggestions for resolution were always of great assistance.

After 12 years of outstanding service to the Club, Greg left to take on a role at Basketball Victoria as General Manager -Leagues and Competitions.

Greg’s dedicated leadership and communication skills were stand-out features of his tenure at the Club which grew from 4,200 members and a turnover of just over $1m when he started to one of Australia’s most successful and stable basketball clubs with over 6,000 members and a turnover of $2.7m. when he left.

There are many significant Club developments that were driven by Greg during his tenure as CEO.

• Montmorency SC stadium – key role in its development ($19m)
• Two upgrades of Eltham HS stadium:
  1. in 2015 upgrade to public toilets which were also changerooms ($110k funded by EWBC)
  2. $1.1m (EWBC funding) for two changerooms and a video room on show court, Referee Room, exclusive basketball club access at stadium entrance, new cleaners’ room, reshaping of Club Office and relocation of uniform shop. We built the school a new storeroom and staffroom area. This project then played politically into the funding received at the 2018 Victorian election for Monty.
• Restructured and rebuilt senior representative program from lower end of Big V State Championship to being the 16th club selected for the inaugural 2019 NBL1 season to being e-licensed within the first 10 associations in July 2021 for a further two years.
• Youth Men went from 1-21 and a percentage of 52% in 2013 to being a powerhouse in the competition.
• Basketball Victoria’s 2017 Junior Association of the Year
• Basketball Victoria’s 2018 Association of the Year
• VicSport – Community Event of the Year – Eltham-Dandenong Junior Basketball Tournament
• Re-branded our own beginner program ‘Cub Squad’ underpinned by ‘Kinder Club.’ Stepped away from national body, to only then lead the change within Basketball Australia’s Aussie Hoops program.
• Growth from 175 junior domestic teams in 2012 to a high of 285 teams pre-covid
• Ongoing improvements in the running of the Eltham Dandenong Junior Basketball tournament including making the tournament cashless and significant enhancements to the fixturing and grading processes over the 2 COVID impacted years which have been used in recent tournaments. Still very much involved and a key component of the tournaments continued success.
• COVID19 had a significant impact on the operations of the Club. Greg’s management of the Club during this period which included a level of communication to our members that was second to none, is something for which the Club will always be grateful. We know that there were a number of Clubs that copied Greg’s communications.
• Still coaching

This list of achievements is impressive, but it is the cultural aspect of his contribution that also needs to be recognised. He came in at a very challenging time, and left the club in pretty much the best position, socially as well as materially, that we have ever been in.

Not everyone agreed with every decision Greg made, but everyone was heard, and he had a genuine empathy for every part of the organisation. Everything was done fairly and in the best interest of the members of the club.

A significant factor in Greg’s success was his ability to forge effective relationships across the vast range of people who deal with the club:

politicians and government, basketball staff at every level and across the wide geographic area, our own staff, technical officials and especially our members.

These “soft skills” are not reflected in bricks and mortar or financial results but make an organisation such as ours stronger and more resilient.

With the exception of David Hickman, there has been no-one that has made a bigger contribution to the ongoing success of the Eltham Wildcats Basketball Club.

Greg was awarded LIFE Membership of the Club in 2023

Leighton commenced coaching within the junior domestic competition in 2011 and representative coaching in 2012. Since then, he has coached teams in all junior age groups, making a positive connection with many athletes. He has always prioritised where the club needed an experienced coach, most recently spending his last two seasons as Head Coach of the U20 boys team. His commitment has helped young Eltham players extend their time in sport and strengthened the pathway through to Youth basketball.

Leighton has provided valuable connections within the broader basketball community, representing Eltham coaches at clinics, camps, AIS tours and as a member of State team staff. He has been a mentor to many up-and-coming coaches and played a key role in setting up various Academies for additional training and development – initially on weekday mornings, and more recently on Monday nights and Sundays. He commenced in a formalised role after assisting Lyn Strmecki and Rob Coulter with the boys trials in 2013, becoming Assistant Director of Coaching (Boys) in 2014, a position he still holds today. He advocated to bring the boys and girls championship programs together and served as interim Director of Coaching throughout COVID.

Leighton has played a significant part in establishing a trials process with integrity and served as the Eltham delegate to the VJBL (approx. 2013). He has been actively involved on the Championship Committee (developing policies, managing concerns and grievances, and reinstating the combined committee post-COVID), as a member of the General Committee and Executive, and as Vice President for the last few years. He has also contributed to the Australia Day tournament in various capacities and worked with Greg and others advocating for the new Montmorency Stadium, including lobbying for funding and supporting planning throughout all stages.

This is in recognition of the significant contribution Carly has made as a player, administrator and coach over a combined 24 years. Carly commenced her first period with the Eltham Wildcats as a junior athlete in 1980 in the EDJBA and then made the Eltham Junior Representative program. A high IQ player and leader on the court, she was a valued member of Junior Representative A Grade teams in U12, U14 and U16. Notable achievements include being a member of the U14 Eltham Nationals Team that were runners-up, the U16 Victorian Metro State Team that won Gold, and being invited to train at the AIS. Her playing career ended due to a serious ankle injury.

Carly has been instrumental in fostering enjoyment and development in young male and female athletes through coaching. She started the Eltham Skills and Drills program, coached midweek morning development programs, led holiday development camps, and conducted individual skills sessions. She has held numerous high-level positions including Coach at Basketball Victoria Camps, Selector for Basketball Victoria programs, Development Coach with Bendigo Spirit (WNBL), Head Coach of the U18 Victoria Country Women’s Goldminers team, Assistant Coach with the U18 Victoria Country Women’s State Team, and Head Coach with the U16 Victoria Country Women’s State Team for the past two years. Carly has always maintained her strong connection with Eltham, bringing new learnings back to benefit club coaches and athletes.

Carly held a formal four-year administration role focused on training scheduling, club policies, events and player registrations, and also served as a domestic age group convenor. She has been a very successful coach in the Junior Representative program, including HC of an U12 boys team that won a VC Title and a National Junior Classic Gold medal, and AC of an U14 boys team that won a Nationals Gold medal. In the Women’s Senior program over the past 10 years she has served as AC of the State Championship team, AC and HC (two years) of the Youth Women’s team, and AC of the NBL1 Women’s team for the past three years. Carly has shown exceptional commitment, particularly during COVID with online skill development programs, stepping in to coach teams when needed, and always prioritising athlete welfare and personal development.

This is in recognition of the significant contribution Rachel has made over a combined 32 years. Rachel’s proud connection with the Club is as a former player, a parent and a passionate educator of young people. Rachel commenced her first period of time with the Eltham Wildcats as an aspiring athlete in 1979 in the EDJBA, quickly progressing into Junior Representative basketball in 1981. She was a valued member of Eltham teams at domestic and representative levels in U12, U14, U16 and U18s. After juniors, Rachel continued playing in the Wednesday night VBA competition and SEABL, captaining the Eltham Senior women’s team from age 21 to 24. Whilst captaining the senior team she also coached the Eltham Division 3 State League Women’s team.

Over her 18-year period as a junior coach, Rachel was always seeking new learning opportunities and made strong connections within the broader basketball community. She openly shared practice plans, led coach education sessions and supported many other coaches. Rachel coached multiple teams in a single season (often 3 or 4), working with both boys’ and girls’ teams. She has been a very successful coach in the Junior Representative program, including HC of an U14 boys team that won silver at the Classic and qualified for Nationals, HC of an U12 boys team that won silver in VC, and AC of an U14 Boys team that won Nationals, VC Title, National Junior Classic and were invited to a tournament in Japan.

Rachel has always gone above and beyond, whether coaching additional trainings, driving the bus for U14 Nationals in Perth, coaching at the AIS tour, or ensuring the Australia Day tournament was a fun start to the year. During COVID she created online training sessions, activities and game nights that connected her team, their families and other Eltham kids. Rachel always displayed leadership during the trials process, working closely with coaches, athletes, administrators and families to ensure athletes’ welfare remained the priority.