2024 Wrap-Up: A Year of Growth, Achievements, and Community Connection
As we farewell 2024, the City of Blacktown Basketball Association (CBBA) reflects on a remarkable year of growth, milestones, and progress across all facets of the organisation. From record-breaking participation rates to exciting operational advancements, this year has showcased the power of community and the love of basketball.
Membership and Participation
CBBA has continued to grow, closing 2024 with over 2,500 community members and over 1,300 registered members. The Aussie Hoops program was a standout success, welcoming 542 participants across 61 sessions. Domestic basketball also reached new heights, hosting 200+ teams across Winter and Summer leagues, including eight new competitions.
On the representative front, CBBA expanded to 11 teams with 145 participants, logging over 1,400 training hours and playing 198 games. Notable highlights included the U16 Girls Team 1 taking out the championship and U16 Girls Team 2 earning runner-up honours. The Youth League Men (YLM) team reached the Final Four, led by Mayor Chagai, who was named Basketball NSW’s Youth League Men’s Coach of the Year.
On-Court and Off-Court Highlights
This year brought both on-court and operational successes. Jamaal Osikoya’s selection for the AIS National Performance Camp was a proud moment, and our teams delivered outstanding performances in state competitions.
Off the court, operational advancements were equally impressive. CBBA opened its first-ever office space and introduced systems like Basketball Connect to streamline processes. The establishment of new governance committees, including Finance & Audit and Competitions, has created a foundation for sustainable growth. Additionally, the association welcomed four new board members, strengthening leadership as CBBA looks to the future.
Marketing and Engagement
CBBA’s digital presence soared this year, with 36,000 annual website visits and record-breaking social media engagement. A game-winning highlight video featuring Goc Malual garnered 65,000 views on Instagram, showcasing the excitement of basketball in Blacktown. CBBA is poised to build on this momentum to engage even more of the community in 2025.
Awards and Recognitions
The CBBA community celebrated several accolades in 2024. Lachlan Arford was honoured as Basketball NSW’s Paid Administrator of the Year, while Bianca McVicar received the Volunteer Administrator of the Year award for her tireless efforts in the representative program. CBBA also proudly received the Chairman’s Award for Association of the Year, a testament to its dedication to excellence.
Looking Ahead to 2025
As we turn our focus to 2025, CBBA is excited to deliver on ambitious plans that will enhance basketball opportunities in Blacktown. Highlights include the introduction of a Girls’ Aussie Hoops program, an inaugural school basketball competition, and a third domestic competition location.
Infrastructural improvements are also on the horizon, with court upgrades to Kevin Betts Stadium and Charlie Lowles Leisure Centre set for completion in 2025. These upgrades will provide players, coaches, and the community with top-tier facilities to enjoy the game.
Preparations for a Summer Tournament and three school holiday camps are underway, ensuring a vibrant calendar of events in the new year. With these developments and more, 2025 promises to be a milestone year for CBBA.
As we celebrate the achievements of 2024, we extend our heartfelt thanks to all players, parents, volunteers, staff, and supporters who made this year possible. Here’s to another exciting year ahead!
