The Frankston & District Basketball Association (FDBA) brought together club delegates, officials, and community members on Tuesday night for its annual End of Year Function, held at the Frankston RSL. The event served as a celebration of the association’s strong domestic basketball community and an opportunity to recognise standout contributors throughout 2025.
Thank you from the CEO:
The evening opened with welcoming remarks and an update from FDBA CEO Wayne Holdsworth, who reflected on the year’s achievements and shared insights into the association’s ongoing strategic plan.
“The heart of Frankston Basketball has always been our domestic clubs. Everything we’ve achieved this year is a credit to your commitment and the countless hours volunteers give to our association,” Wayne said.
Representatives from Frankston City Council offered a presentation on the anticipated facility redevelopment and the continued partnership between council and the association.
Referee Awards:
FDBA Referee Advisor Chris Morrey took to the stage to deliver an update on referee development across the year and announce the recipients of the 2025 Referee Awards. Each award recognised individuals who have shown excellence, leadership, improvement, or emerging potential in the referee program.
This year’s winners included:
Well done to Patrick Willmott who received the ″Merv Searle″ Club Person of the Year award – pictured alongside referee advisor Chris Morrey.
Keep up the great work, Holly Naylor – winner of the “Arthur Stone” Most Improved Referee of the Year award.
Well done to Jensen Holmes on taking home the “Mac Holdsworth” Rookie of the Year Award – pictured alongside FDBA CEO, Wayne Holdsworth.
Congratulations to Mia Muccignat on earning the ″Gaile Reid″ Junior Female Referee of the Year – pictured alongside FDBA Life Member, Gaile Reid!
Great work Henry, earning the ″Gabrielle Hore″ Junior Male Referee of the Year Award – pictured alongside FDBA Life Member Gabrielle Hore.
This year brought a range of challenges for our referees, including temporarily relocating from our home at Bardia Avenue during its upgrade. Despite the disruption, our referee group showed outstanding adaptability and professionalism, ensuring competitions continued to run smoothly. Well done to all our award winners for their exceptional contribution throughout the year.
FDBA Club Awards:
The evening continued with the presentation of the FDBA Club Awards. Both the Domestic Club of the Year and Volunteer of the Year awards were assessed across a comprehensive set of criteria, reflecting the key elements of strong club administration and community contribution. These criteria included:
- Club engagement and communication with members
- Strength of governance, policies, and procedures
- CAV submissions and annual compliance
- AGM requirements and meeting obligations
- Adherence to constitutional responsibilities
- Club growth and member retention
- Quality of liaison and cooperation between the club and FDBA
- Attendance and participation at key FDBA forums and meetings, including: Club Delegates Conference & JCC meetings
Domestic Club of the Year: Langwarrin Wildcats
Club Committee List:
- President: Rhonda Cooling
- Vice President: Stewart Devine
- Treasurer: Tiffany Rhodes
- Registrar: Ash Cooling
“We are thrilled to be recognised by the FDBA as the 2025 Club of the Year. This honour reflects the dedication and hard work of our committee and volunteers who continually support the Langwarrin Wildcats. We are truly humbled to receive this award from our peers,” said Rhonda.
Left to right: Stewart Devine, Rhonda Cooling, Ash Cooling.
Volunteer of the Year: Danni Symes (Skye Sonics)
- Role: President
“It’s an honour to receive the FDBA Volunteer of the Year Award. For me this award really does reflect the collective effort of every volunteer at Skye Sonics who continue to give so much to our community. I would also like to thank Frankston Basketball who have always been such a great support to myself and our club and look forward to working together in the future to continue to provide a fun, safe and supportive environment that allows children in our community to be involved in basketball. Very proud and grateful to have been acknowledged for this award,” said Danni.
Danni pictured alongside Ian Watt.
Both awards highlighted the tireless work of clubs and individuals who ensure the smooth operation, strong culture, and continued growth of domestic basketball within Frankston.
FDBA congratulates all award winners and extends its appreciation to clubs, referees, volunteers, and partners for their contributions throughout the year.
FDBA CEO, Wayne Holdsworth 
Club Delegates received an overview of the new stadium plans from Frankston City Council 
FDBA Referee Advisor, Chris Morrey 
FDBA President, Tim Bower 
Our referee award winners! 
Danni Symes, FDBA GM of Operations Mitchell Condick & Rhonda Cooling