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Sport

1 December, 2024

Vollies at heart of Heat

THE Northern Beaches Heat Basketball Club has solidified its community leadership by launching the first-ever Wilbur Donovan Volunteer of the Year Award, honouring two standout contributors to the club’s rapid rise in Cairns’ basketball.


Northern Beaches Heat Basketball Club president Dave Thomas, club founder Wilbur Donovan and Cairns Basketball Inc. general manager Luca Vergari hold the prestigious Wilbur Donovan Award. Picture: Supplied
Northern Beaches Heat Basketball Club president Dave Thomas, club founder Wilbur Donovan and Cairns Basketball Inc. general manager Luca Vergari hold the prestigious Wilbur Donovan Award. Picture: Supplied

In a milestone event, Josh Mead and Anais de Ridder were honoured as joint recipients of the prestigious award during the club’s end of season break-up celebrations, recognising their exceptional volunteer contributions throughout the 2024 season.

Heat Basketball Club marked a fitting conclusion to a remarkable season that has seen the club expand to 25 teams across age groups from U10s to U19s and Mr Mead and Ms de Ridder played a key role in the club’s exponential growth.

“This award represents the heart and soul of what we’ve built since establishing the club last year,” said Wilbur Donovan, founder of NB Heat and deputy principal at Newman Catholic College.

“Josh and Anais have played pivotal roles in our growth story, embodying the values of dedication and service that this award was created to celebrate,” he said

Club president Dave Thomas, who has overseen the club’s transformation since taking the reins from Donovan, highlighted the significance of the award.

“The growth we’ve experienced – from four teams to 25 in just over a year – has been driven by passionate volunteers like Josh and Anais,” he said.

“Our hot pink jerseys are now a familiar sight across the Northern Beaches, symbolising, not just athletic achievement, but community spirit.”

Mr Mead, who was recognised for spearheading player recruitment efforts, said he was honoured to be part of the club’s development.

“Being acknowledged with this award is a tremendous honour,” he said.

“Watching the club’s exponential growth over the past season has been incredibly rewarding and I’m excited to see what the future holds for Heat basketball,” he said.

Co-recipient Anais de Ridder, whose contributions led to her appointment as a Cairns Basketball representative coach, said the club was like a home to her.

“Coming from Spain, I’ve found a second home in the Cairns basketball community,” she said.

“This recognition reinforces the welcoming spirit that makes the Northern Beaches Heat such a special club.”

Luca Vergari, general manager at Cairns Basketball Inc., commended the club’s impact in such a short time.

“The rapid evolution of the Northern Beaches Heat demonstrates what’s possible when passionate community leaders come together.

“Their success sets a powerful example for basketball development across the region,” he said.

After an extremely successful year, the Northern Beaches Heat is hoping to continue its growth, expansion and great basketball in 2025.

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