Newcastle Basketball Board Members
Jaclyn Mottram
Chair
Larry Davidson
Director
Mark Chicken
Director
Tony Guihot
Director
Burcak Sezer
Director
Kristy Crooks
Director
Shane De Wit
Director
Erica James
Director
Pankaj Rao
Director
Call for Nominations – Board Director (Two positions)
Are you a strategic thinker and values-driven leader with a passion for sport and community impact?
Basketball Association of Newcastle Limited (BANL) – the premier basketball organisation in the Hunter region – is seeking nominations for two (2) Elected Director positions to be filled via member election at the 2026 Annual General Meeting held in May 2026.
Under BANL’s current Constitution, elected Directors serve a three-year term, with positions elected on a staggered, rotational basis. This is an exciting opportunity to play a key role in shaping the future of basketball in Newcastle and the broader Hunter region.
What we are looking for
We are calling for nominations from candidates who demonstrate:
- a background in business, finance, law, strategy, strategic leadership, commercial/strategic partnerships, sport management or related fields. Due to current Board composition, backgrounds in law, advocacy, lobbying or government and government relations are highly desirable.
- a clear understanding of Director’s duties under the Corporations Act and good governance practices. Governance training (e.g. AICD, GIA, Sport Australia) will be highly regarded.
- knowledge of the Australian sporting landscape—particularly community sport, participation pathways, and governance frameworks. A connection to basketball is a plus but not essential.
Detailed responsibilities and selection criteria are outlined in the Position Description.
What you’ll gain
- A meaningful opportunity to influence the strategic direction of community sport.
- The opportunity to contribute to major initiatives, including facility development and long-term participation growth.
- Experience working within a modern governance framework in a respected not-for-profit sporting organisation.
- The chance to positively impact health, inclusion and social connection across the region.
Commitment
- The Board meets in person approximately 11 times per year, with additional meetings as required.
- Directors are expected to serve on at least one Board sub-committee (e.g. Finance, Risk & Audit, Community Foundation, Project Control Group).
- Participation in strategic planning sessions and key community events is encouraged.
Directors are expected to commit the time necessary to properly discharge their governance responsibilities.
Remuneration
This is a voluntary (non-remunerated) position.
Reasonable out-of-pocket expenses incurred in fulfilling Board duties will be reimbursed.
Our commitment to diversity and inclusion
BANL is committed to supporting delivery of the Basketball NSW Diversity, Equity and Inclusion Plan. We encourage and welcome applications from people from diverse backgrounds including: women, First Nations, people from a Cultural and Linguistically Diverse (CALD) background, people living with a disability, people who identify as LGBTQI+, and people of mature age.
Eligibility and Nomination
Nominations close: Friday 20th March 2026 at 5pm.
Completed nominations should be submitted to the Chair, Nominations Committee via the General Manager’s email at: gm@newcastlebasketball.com.au
Nominations must be submitted in accordance with the BANL Constitution. Nominees must be nominated by two Individual Members of BANL (a Nominator and a Seconder) whose membership end date extends beyond the date of the AGM. Please refer to the Nomination Form and instructions included.
Under the Constitution, a nominee must be a Member of the Association, be eligible to act as a director under the Corporations Act 2001 (Cth) and must not otherwise be disqualified from holding office under the Constitution.
Directors may serve a maximum of two consecutive terms. No person who has served as a Director for a period of two (2) consecutive full terms shall be eligible for election or appointment as a Director until the period of two (2) years following the date of conclusion of their last term as a Director has expired, unless approved by Special Resolution at a General Meeting of Members.
Under the transitional arrangements associated with the adoption of the current Constitution, only terms completed during the current constitutional framework are counted for the purpose of determining the two-term limit. Service commenced and completed prior to the adoption of the current Constitution does not count towards the term limit.
Assessment of Nominees will take place during late-March until mid-April.