news

20,291 Regional Members. 7 Regions. 1 Game.

Basketball WA now supports more than 20,291 regional members — and we’re right there with them.

With Regional Development Officers (RDOs) now active across every major region, we’re strengthening the local game by working directly with associations, schools, volunteers, and community leaders to grow basketball where it matters most: on local courts.

This coverage isn’t new — but our commitment is deeper than ever. By embedding local experts in every region, we’re raising standards, increasing access, and backing the people who make regional basketball strong. It’s a strategy grounded in teamwork, driven by inclusivity, focused on excellence, and fuelled by pride in WA basketball.

Whether it’s building coaching depth, supporting new associations, mentoring volunteers, or helping young players reach the next level — our RDOs are on the ground and in your corner.

RDOs across:

📍 Kimberley
Ben Gertau – [email protected]

📍 Pilbara
Nikki Hemmett – [email protected]

📍 Mid West & Gascoyne
Jackson Pickett – [email protected]

📍 Wheatbelt
Georgi Eddy – [email protected]

📍 South West & Peel
Wayne Hayres – [email protected]

📍 Great Southern
Rob Whalley – [email protected]

📍 Goldfields
Donna Coughlan – [email protected]

Regional Development Officer Apointments

Jackson Pickett – Championing Basketball Across the Mid West and Gascoyne

Basketball WA is pleased to welcome Jackson Pickett as Regional Development Officer for the Mid West and Gascoyne.

With a strong background as both a player and coach at the Joondalup Wolves and involvement in BWA’s State High Performance Coaching Programs, Jackson brings valuable on-court knowledge and a real passion for developing players. He has delivered clinics across the state focused on basketball fundamentals and mental and physical wellbeing — something he sees as key to building confident and connected communities.

Jackson is looking forward to working closely with local clubs, schools, and volunteers to grow the game in the Mid West and Gascoyne, ensuring basketball continues to be a sport that brings people together across the region.

Ben Gertau – Championing Basketball Across the Kimberley

Basketball WA is excited to welcome Ben Gertau as the new Regional Development Officer for the Kimberley.

Ben’s basketball roots run deep — from playing WABL with the Rockingham Flames to his time in the Wildcats Development Program and training with the SEABL’s Hobart Chargers. He understands the pathway from grassroots to elite and is passionate about helping others.

With a professional background in project management and experience delivering community sport programs, Ben brings an energetic approach to the role. He also has strong family ties in the region, and is looking forward to giving back to a place that feels like home.

Ben is ready to listen, learn, and work alongside the Kimberley basketball community to strengthen the game for generations.

Rob Whalley – Championing Basketball Across the Great Southern

Basketball WA is proud to welcome Rob Whalley as Regional Development Officer for the Great Southern.

Rob has lived and breathed basketball in the region — as a player, coach, administrator, and most recently, as a high-performance parent. His connection to the game and Great Southern is long-standing and personal. He knows firsthand what it takes to grow the sport in a regional setting and brings with him decades of knowledge and community relationships.

Rob is passionate about building strong local pathways and ensuring every young person has the opportunity to access the game he loves. He’s looking forward to reconnecting with familiar faces and supporting the next wave of basketballers in the Great Southern.