Albury Basketball Association 2025 AGM Recap

Farewells, Fresh Faces, and a Strategic Path Forward

The Albury Basketball Association (ABA) hosted its 2025 Annual General Meeting on Tuesday 24 June at the SSA club, marking a pivotal moment for the organisation as it transitions into a new era of leadership and strategic focus.

Outgoing President David Blakemore officially stepped down after seven years of dedicated service. During his tenure, David led the ABA through significant growth and development, including navigating the challenges of covid and the stadium redevelopment and launching new initiatives across competitions, representative programs, and inclusion. As part of his last President’s report, David announced the commencement of an external strategic review and the development of a Strategic Plan, set to be implemented alongside the reopening of the Lauren Jackson Sports Centre in 2026.

Treasurer Pauline Goonan also completed her second term, leaving a strong financial legacy and contributing to the stability and professionalism of the Association’s operations. Clinton Lowe was also acknowledged for his service, stepping down from the board and his role as Head of the Representative Committee. The ABA community extended their sincere thanks and gratitude to all three retiring Board members, for their dedication to ABA and basketball development in our region.

The AGM welcomed Aaron Weathers as the newly elected President, joined by Blair Philips as Treasurer. New general board members include Adam Menz, Fiona Solomon, Izac Hutchinson, and Jo Crisp, with individual roles to be finalised at the July board meeting. Alison King commences her second year as Secretary, while Paul Trebley remains in his role with Member Protection, Robert Sharpe will continue to guide us through the Stadium Redevelopment and Marcus Brady will again oversee Senior Representative Programs and Merchandise.

Highlights from the President’s Report reflected a year of resilience and achievement:

● Strong Financial Performance: The ABA remains in excellent financial shape—despite increased operational costs associated with running competitions across multiple venues during the ongoing redevelopment of LJSC. The continued support from SSA Club Grants and the establishment of a rolling term deposit has further bolstered financial stability.

● Stadium Redevelopment: Stage 1 of the LJSC upgrade has progressed, though it was noted that the current upgrades fall short of meeting the Association’s growing needs. Advocacy continues for Stage 2, which would include additional court space. ABA has made several submissions to local and federal government representatives focusing on the urgent pressing demand for additional court space.

● Competition and Participation: Updated domestic competition by-laws were officially ratified after interim use since August 2024. The Association maintained strong player and team numbers despite shifting to a three-venue model. Collaboration with Wodonga Basketball saw the introduction of a successful Cross Border Youth Girls competition for U16/U18.

● Representative Success: The representative program experienced a record year in participation, with 17 teams competing in Southern Junior League and 2 teams in Junior Premier League, with strong performances across the board. Key improvements in governance, policy, and pathways—including the establishment of a Development Academy position the program for continued success next season.

● Referee and Inclusion Initiatives: The appointment of a Referee Development Officer has helped boost retainment, recruitment and training of referees. The Indigenous Scholarship Program continued to expand, with future sponsorship opportunities being explored. Initiatives like She Hoops and girls-only Aussie Hoops programs highlight ABA’s commitment to diversity and inclusion.

● New Partnerships: ABA became a founding member of the Albury Wodonga Basketball Council, working alongside neighbouring associations and clubs to enhance pathways and share resources across the border region.

With a renewed leadership team, a firm financial foundation, and a focus on developing a strategic roadmap for our future, the ABA is set for continued growth and community impact as it prepares to return to a revitalised Lauren Jackson Sports Centre in 2026.

With a renewed leadership team, a firm financial foundation, and a focus on developing a strategic roadmap for our future, the ABA is set for continued growth and community impact as it prepares to return to a revitalised Lauren Jackson Sports Centre in 2026.