It is incredible to think that we are twelve months past our last AGM, and we look back at the achievements of our members & volunteers over this time.
I am proud to say that we continue to be one of the largest clubs in Ballarat with a focus on developing all children.
This year we have had 18 junior players participate in the VJBL program. We as a club are proud of the achievements of the selected Phoenix players to their commitment and dedication to Basketball.
Across the course of the year, as a club we have worked across many different sectors to keep costs low, and to give back to members in a variety of different ways at every given opportunity. Some of these include:

• No fee increases for Phoenix registrations in Summer and Winter 2024. We did this by negotiating court hire costs through Ballarat High, and by absorbing the extra costs put upon us by the BBA.
• Coaches discount for the volunteering of hours across training and game days.
• We supported the Level 1 Coaches course ran by the BBA, sending 12 Phoenix coaches to gain accreditation.
• Introduction to Directors of Coaching with Troy and Mark taking on this role supporting coaches and players
• Introduction of an Under 8 coordinators to assist our new families and the foundations of the club
• Internally ran coaches’ course were ran by our Directors of Coaching
• A skills training day was held for all age levels from under 10-16s. With 100 children attending this complimentary intensive training. All costs covered by the club.
• As part of our recruitment plan, we conducted an Under 8’s and 10’s come and try night, with approximately 30 kids participating.

At Phoenix we like to set the bar, we work to give our kids opportunities other clubs do not always offer. The big one here is training, we have said it before and we will say it again, here at Phoenix we are proud to offer all teams the ability to train each and every week. We offer the option to purchase personalised tops, we conduct yearly team photos and proudly distribute trophies to every team. This season being for Most improved, Coaches Award and MVP.

We are also lucky to have BDU to provide another pathway for our members. BDU allows selected children to gain valuable experience, as players come together from a cross variety of teams, and clubs to work as one. The children get to expand their skills and love for the game, whilst playing in a variety of tournaments.

Our fundraising events are growing year on year with Club Photos, Queens Birthday Canteen and the Bunnings BBQ with funds exceeding over $5000. These funds are being placed back into the club to assist with skills development days and equipment.
This is my first year as President and it continually surprises me as to the amount of work that happens in the background to ensure all runs smoothly prior to games and on gameday. I value and recognise all committee members contribution to the Phoenix Basketball Club and thank you all for your unwavering commitment to the club and its kids.

It takes great people to make a great club. To our coaches & team managers, we thank you for your energy, time and commitment. There is a joy being involved in the game & also helping the kids learn and develop their skills. You all do it in such a positive way and I’m sure their development makes it all worthwhile.
As we all know, Basketball is an amazing sport that offers so much more than a win or loss. I am so lucky to be working with the passionate people we have at Phoenix, who continue to offer our members every opportunity and I’m equally excited to see what the club can achieve in the next 12 months.
The Annual General meeting was held on Sunday August 25th to vote in the new committee for Summer/Winter 2025 that will continue to drive Phoenix forward.
Before announcing the new 2025 Committee I would first like to recognise the following members for their contribution to the club.

Troy McCarthy – Troy this season will be moving into a general committee role after supporting me over the past 12 months as Vice President. Troy’s commitment to Phoenix is the strongest I have ever seen with countless hours of volunteering his time. Troy has been selected as the Head Coach for Maryborough CBL which is another great achievement in his Basketball career. This will provide another pathway for players to continue their Basketball journey in Ballarat. Troy will continue to work on BDU and will be still coaching in 19A and in the A grade competition. I know Troy will be there to continue to assist in driving the best outcomes for Phoenix as we move into FY25.

Allana Doogood – Allana has done a tremendous job as she has volunteered as the uniform coordinator for the club. As you can imagine it’s not a mean feat to ensure all our players are in full uniform and ready to take to court each and every week. Allana has continued to work on the personalised uniforms which is a great option for players. Her can-do attitude and always smiling face makes every dealing with her proud to be a part of Phoenix.

Kirsty Doolan – We would like to thank Kirsty for all her efforts and contribution to the Phoenix general committee. Kirsty was always there to support whenever needed and a strong advocate for the club. Thank you again and we know you will always be there to lend a hand when needed.

I am proud to announce the following appointment for the FY25 Phoenix Committee are,

PHOENIX BASKETBALL CLUB – AGM 2024 POSITION Elected 2025 Committee President – Andrew Cassidy
Vice President – Rob Webster
Secretary – Simone McCarthy
Treasurer – Sallyann Hodgetts
Director of Coaching – Mark Farrell
Girls Team Coordinator (u10-19) – Toni Gudgeon
Boys Team Coordinator (u10-14) – Kristy Branson
Boys Team Coordinator (u16-19) – Remains vacant at time of AGM
Senior Teams Coordinator – Emily Mewett
U8 Coordinator – Georgia Skewes
Uniform & Merch Coordinator – Nicole Cunnington
Events Coordinator – Sherralea Cassidy
Media & Marketing Coordinator – Kylee Noakes
Fundraising Co-Ordinator – Remains vacant at time of AGM
General Committee – Troy McCarthy
General Committee – Marc Wilkie
General Committee – Tina Wilkie
General Committee – Monica Stanmore
General Committee – Latique Shelby
General Committee – Ryan McKenzie
General Committee – Tiara McKenzie
General Committee – Michael Noakes

Look forward to the year ahead as Phoenix continues to be a driving force in Ballarat Basketball.

See you on the court,

Andrew