Dear Members, 

Our club has faced challenging circumstances in recent weeks, and we are moving forward with care and purpose. I want to keep members updated on the positive steps we are taking to strengthen child safety governance. I also want to highlight the outstanding achievements of our NBL1 teams. 

The review by the Social Services Regulator (an independent statutory authority) commenced on 28 July and is being fully supported by the Executive and General Committee. This sits alongside the independent external review that began on 24 July. We welcome both reviews and are committed to implementing their recommendations to ensure Eltham Wildcats continues to provide the safest possible environment for every child and young person. 

To further strengthen our commitment to child safety, we have brought in additional expertise by appointing Katy Dib to oversee the review of our child safety policies and procedures. Katy has extensive experience in child safety and will work closely with our Wellbeing Committee to strengthen our governance, support best practice, and ensure our policies and processes continue to meet the highest standards.

To allow our focus to remain on these important reviews, recruitment for our permanent CEO has been temporarily paused, with Steven Chadd continuing as Interim CEO. 

I also want to acknowledge the recent discussions surrounding the wearing of blue armbands. Eltham Wildcats supports those who choose to wear an armband as a show of support for child safety, while equally respecting the choice of those who do not. We ask all members to respect individual choices and continue to treat one another with kindness. Child safety is something that unites us all, and our club is strongest when we stand together. 

As we continue to focus on these important matters, it is also timely to recognise the achievements of our basketball community. 

In that spirit, I would like to congratulate both our NBL1 Women and NBL1 Men, who finished the regular season in the top two and now head into finals this Saturday. The women take on Diamond Valley at 6.00 pm, followed by the men against Dandenong at 8.00 pm. I encourage all members to come along and support our teams. 

We are also incredibly fortunate to have athletes and coaches who not only achieve outstanding results on the court but also serve as positive role models for the next generation of Wildcats. Through their leadership, sportsmanship and commitment to our club, they help shape the culture and values that make Eltham Wildcats such a special community. 

Congratulations also to our NBL1 award winners: 

Matt Bongetti – Women’s Coach of the Year 

Rebecca Pizzey – Women’s Defensive Player of the Year

Lil Dart – NBL1 South Women’s First Team 

Finally, congratulations to everyone involved in our NBL1 program on winning the C.R.E.S.T. Shield, recognising Eltham Wildcats as the association with the strongest combined men’s and women’s results across the 2026 NBL1 South regular season. It is a fitting reward for the dedication of our players, coaches, support staff and volunteers. 

Thank you for your continued support of our club. Together, we will continue to strengthen our organisation while celebrating everything that makes Eltham Wildcats such a special community. 

Warm regards,
Carrie Davies 
Interim President 
Eltham Wildcats Basketball