SPBA basketball programs

Each year, Southern Peninsula Basketball Association recognises the players, coaches, referees, volunteers and community members who make a meaningful impact on our basketball community. Our awards celebrate excellence both on and off the court, highlighting achievements in performance, leadership, sportsmanship and commitment.

In addition to our annual honours, SPBA also acknowledges individuals who have contributed outstanding long-term service to the association. These service awards and major honours reflect the dedication, passion and support that help shape the culture and success of basketball on the Southern Peninsula.

The Les Thomas Award

Recipients 1991 - 2025

This award is named after Les Thomas who was a person who had a significant impact on SPBA. Les was a positive and influential supporter of the Association and was instrumental in getting Shire support for the development of Court 1 and 2 at Dromana. Les Thomas is the type of person that gives to the community for it’s benefit with no expectation that they will receive anything in return.

1991 – Murray Sydenham
1992 – Ann Opie
1993 – Kevin McGuiness
1994 – Carole Denehey
1995 – Brett Rolfe
1996 – Dwayne Lester
1997 – Lauren Dalling
1998 – Lorene Reid
1999 – Gretta Jamieson / Leon Williams
2000 – Tom and Faye McCormick
2001 – Vaughan Wickenden
2002 – Bruce Anderson
2003 – Colin Weir / Keryn McLear
2004 – Vicki Smith
2005 – Trina Swagemakers
2006 – Jody Falck
2007 – Pam Atkin
2008 – Marc Pirotta
2009 – Julie Wickenden
2010 – Karyn Lester
2011 – Bec Novotny
2023 – Kelly Read
2024 – Hope Weston
2025 – Ryan Miller

Community Club of the Year

Recipients 2000 - 2025

The Community Club of the Year award goes to an SPBA affiliated club in recognition of significant contribution to participation and community in the region during the nomination period.

2023 - Beachcomber Basketball Club
2024 - Boneo Basketball Club
2025 - Sorrento Basketball Club

Young Domestic Player of the Year

Recipients 2000 - 2025

The Young Domestic Player of the Year award goes to an individual player who has demonstrated development and sportsmanship through the sport of basketball.

2023 - Kobie Ellison-Semple & Ava Mastramico
2024 - Grace Forster & Jaxon Callow
2025 - James Curry & Maeve Dixon

Domestic Coach of the Year

Recipients 2000 - 2025

The Domestic Coach of the Year award goes to a coach who has made a strong coaching contribution in SPBA’s domestic program and has had a significant impact on the players and teams they coach.

2023 - Sasha Kofoed & Sean Moodie
2024 - Sally Bastow & Jay Callow
2025 - Dan Prior & Roanna Mears

Supporter of the Year

Recipients 2000 - 2025

The Supporter of the Year award award goes to an individual who has displayed a high level of sportsmanship and support in a non-playing or non-coaching capacity.

2023 - Jonnie Lay
2024 - Jonnie Lay
2025 - Jonnie Lay

Domestic Referee of the Year

Recipients 2000 - 2025

The Domestic Referee of the Year is awarded to a referee who has achieved outstanding results and commitment to development within the SPBA pathway.

2023 - Noah Nanninga & Katie Simmons
2024 - Noah Nanninga & Skye Miles
2025 - Shaelee Higgins & Taylr Perkins

John Holden Senior Referee of the Year

Recipients 2000 - 2025

The John Holden Senior Referee OTY, is awarded to a referee who has achieved outstanding results in respect to their commitment to develop above and beyond the internal referee pathway. John was a referee and referee advisor for SPBA who devoted more than 60 years to developing officials, officiating at four Olympic Games (1968, 1972, 1976, 1980), six Oceania qualifiers and the 1978 World Championships, and helping set early NBL standards across 89 games (1979–84).

2023 - Ollie Patterson
2024 - Daniel Munns
2025 - Daniel Munns

Volunteer of the Year Award

Recipients 2000 - 2025

The Volunteer of the Year award which goes to an individual who has made an exemplary voluntary contribution and through their volunteering has made a significant impact on the community.