CLUB HISTORY AND LIFE MEMBERS
Norths Basketball Club has been shaped by the players, coaches, volunteers and administrators who have contributed to the Club and its community since its beginnings in 1964.
This page records important parts of the Club's history and recognises Life Members whose sustained and outstanding contributions have had a significant impact on Norths Basketball Club.
Norths continues to collect and verify information about its history. Community members who can contribute photographs, records or verified historical information are encouraged to contact the Club.
Life Members information last updated: 25 September 2026
OUR ORIGINS
Norths Basketball Club traces its origins to a Canberra High School basketball team known as the Rebels in 1964. Coached by Ron Harvey, the Rebels won the NSW Schools Basketball Cup that year.
Following that success, the players entered the ACT Men's First Division competition under the name Bouncers. The original group included Brian Harry, Neil Richardson, Robert Hobson, Richard Ryan, Glen Spooner, Zdencko Horachec, Ian Ellis and John McPherson.
FROM REBELS TO BOUNCERS
The Bouncers became established in ACT basketball, competing in early grand finals and premierships. Players including Richard Sliwka, Robert Kershaw, John Heard and Henry Kolac later became part of the developing program.
As the Club grew, it fielded Bouncers Gold and Bouncers Blue teams. In 1969, these became Bouncers North and Bouncers South — reflecting the growth of the original team into a broader basketball organisation.
BECOMING NORTHS
The organisation briefly used the name North's Spirits before adopting the Norths name in the late 1970s.
This transition marked the Club's development from its Bouncers origins into the Norths Basketball Club known today.
NORTHS MEN'S PROGRAM
Norths developed a strong senior men's program over the decades, contributing players to higher levels of basketball in the ACT.
The Club has historical connections with representative programs including the Canberra Cannons and Canberra Gunners, reflecting Norths' contribution to player development and representative pathways in the region.
NORTHS WOMEN'S PROGRAM
The Norths women's program developed through the coming together of the Norths men's organisation and the Griffins women's basketball program.
The Club continues to research and document the people, teams and achievements that have shaped its women's program.
PLAYER PATHWAYS AND REPRESENTATIVE BASKETBALL
Throughout its history, Norths has helped players, coaches and officials progress through Club, Basketball ACT and higher-level basketball pathways.
The Club takes pride in the contribution it has made to the development of basketball in the ACT and in the opportunities it has provided for members to grow and compete at higher levels.
Explore the Full Norths History
Explore the people, teams and events that shaped Norths from its beginnings as the Rebels and Bouncers through to the Club of today.
NORTHS 60TH ANNIVERSARY
Norths Basketball Club celebrated its 60th anniversary in 2024, marking six decades since the Club's origins in 1964.
To recognise the anniversary, the Norths Senior Premier League teams wore a special uniform inspired by the Club's original Bouncers identity.
The 2024 anniversary uniforms were sponsored by Halletts Chartered Accountants.
NORTHS LIFE MEMBERS
Life Membership is one of the highest forms of recognition Norths Basketball Club can give. It acknowledges individuals whose longstanding service, leadership and contribution have helped strengthen the Club and its basketball community.
FIONA WRIGHT
Life Member — March 2026
Fiona has been an active member of Norths since she began playing with the Club at around 10 years of age. She continued playing into the senior social competition and has given back to Norths for more than 20 years.
Her contribution has included volunteering as a coach, team manager and longstanding Committee member. Fiona has held several Committee positions, including Public Officer and Junior Coordinator.
She has also continued to assist the Club outside formal positions, contributing to junior presentations, Committee meetings, Annual General Meetings and other Club activities whenever help has been needed.
TONY COTTON
Life Member — March 2024
Tony has made a significant personal commitment to Norths for more than 20 years through his coaching of the Senior Premier League Women's teams and his contribution to women's training and player pathway programs.
He has also supported the Club through administrative, official and social activities over many years.
Norths recognises Tony's longstanding contribution to its senior women's program and the wider Club community.
ELLEN ROBINSON
Life Member — March 2024
Ellen has been an integral member of Norths Basketball Club for more than 20 years.
During that time, she has contributed as a player, coach and team manager and has supported a range of junior and senior Club programs.
Ellen has also contributed through administrative, official and social activities and has served on the Norths Committee for many years. Her roles have included Club Head Coach and Uniform Coordinator.
VICKY MAPLESDEN
Life Member — March 2024
Vicky has been an integral member of Norths Basketball Club for more than 20 years and has contributed extensively through the Club's administrative, official and social activities.
She has served in many Committee roles, including approximately 15 years as Treasurer.
Vicky played a leading role in restructuring the Club's financial administration, helping Norths recover from debt and establish a stronger and more sustainable financial position.
DAVID MAPLESDEN
Life Member — March 2024
David has been an integral member of Norths Basketball Club since 2011.
He took on the role of President in 2011 and served in that position for the following eight years, helping revitalise the Club's management and policy structures.
David has continued to contribute through various Committee roles and Club activities and has played an important part in developing Norths' website, communications and media presence.
HELP PRESERVE NORTHS HISTORY
Norths welcomes information that may help preserve and accurately record the Club's history.
If you have verified historical information, photographs or records relevant to Norths Basketball Club, please contact the Club using "Other Enquiry."
OTHER ENQUIRY