GABA logo

About GABA

Proudly supporting local basketball from juniors to seniors.

Who we are

The Geraldton Amateur Basketball Association

The GABA is the beating heart of community basketball in the Midwest. For more than 70 years, we’ve provided a space for people of all ages and abilities to enjoy the game - whether you’re six or sixty.

We promote a healthy, active lifestyle through inclusive programs, local competitions, and development pathways. Our courts are a place where friendships form, skills grow, and the values of teamwork, respect and sportsmanship are celebrated.

St Patrick's Primary School, Cathedral Avenue, 1960
St Patrick's Primary School, Cathedral Avenue - 1960. Where basketball was first played on back courts (Source: Lyn Rubery)

Since 1950

Our story

Basketball first arrived in Geraldton in 1950, with a handful of enthusiastic locals and a vision shared by Catholic priests Father Michael Moffat and Monsignor O’Conner. The first games were played on grass courts, later upgraded to bitumen to accommodate a growing men’s competition.

By 1960, GABA was officially established and began shaping what would become one of the Midwest’s most popular and enduring community sports.

Over the decades, the association expanded to include junior and senior competitions, women’s basketball, and representative programs. In the 1980s, GABA was instrumental in founding what is now the Fenix Geraldton Buccaneers, competing at the professional level in the NBL1 West competition.

For a detailed history of basketball in Geraldton, visit geraldtonbasketballhistory.com.au.

Historic Geraldton basketball
(Photo: Geraldton Guardian)

Our vision

More than just a game

We believe basketball is more than just a game - it’s a way to build confidence, community, and lifelong friendships.

To grow a strong, inclusive and community focused basketball culture in Geraldton and the Midwest region.

Our values

What guides us

We’re guided by a strategic plan focused on sustainable growth, community inclusion and ongoing development of our players, people and facilities.

Participation

Basketball for all ages, all levels, all year round.

Respect

We play fair, support each other, and promote good sportsmanship.

Development

We support growth at every level - from skills on the court to leadership off it.

Community

We believe in giving back and being a positive influence in Geraldton.

Our facilities

GABA is based at Activewest Stadium on Eighth Street - our central hub for games, training, and events. The stadium features indoor courts, spectator seating, a canteen, changerooms and access to wheelchair basketball facilities. We’re continually working to improve our facilities to meet the growing needs of our basketball community.

Hire our facilities

Year-round basketball

Key dates

Basketball is played year round in Geraldton. Here's a snapshot of our regular calendar.

October - March

Junior & Senior Summer Season

All Year

Aussie Hoops Programs

April - August

Fenix Geraldton Buccaneers (NBL1 West)

May - September

Junior & Senior Winter Season

As scheduled

Late Night Basketball & Wheelchair Competition

As scheduled

School Holiday Clinics & Development Programs

As scheduled

Baby BUCCS Basketball

As scheduled

All Abilities Basketball

Check out our Events Calendar for up-to-date information on fixtures, programs, meetings and community events.

Our people

The team behind GABA

Board & Committee Members

Peter BrownPresident
Natasha HarradineVice President
Teehani ReynoldsSecretary
Richard HouwenTreasurer
Luke ErtzenCommittee Member
Andrew HorstmanCommittee Member
Natasha KirkpatrickCommittee Member

Staff & Key Contacts

Nerolie GerreynAdministrator / Stadium Manager
Jackson PickettBWA Regional Development Officer
Kareena MillarCanteen Manager

Honour roll

Life members

We are proud to acknowledge the dedication and contribution of our Life Members. These individuals have played a key role in shaping GABA’s story.

1963Peter Purchase
1966Les Matthews
1966Lyle Harris
1967Les Eaton
1978John Campbell
1978Greg Haydock
1979Bernard Brown
1979Jim Lydiatt
1979Norma Lydiatt
1980Hayden Dix
1980Bruce Renner
1984Shirley Dix
1991Ian Heberle
1991Kevin Jones
1991Jack Knudson
1991Jim O'Dea
2004Neville Bunter
2014Annette Cooper
2014Joan Evans
2014Marilyn Heberle
2014Ruth Rogers
2014David Rowe
2014Delma Shuttleworth
2014Barbara Willock

To nominate a Life Member, please email admin@gaba.au.