PBA General Manager Dawn Burke started as a volunteer at the Wyatt Park, Lidcombe, site over 50 years ago and has witnessed its transformation from the old GEC factory into the vibrant, not-for-profit Cumberland (Auburn) Basketball Centre it is today.
“It’s the jewel in the crown of Wyatt Park that’s open and utilised by the community seven days a week, 15 hours a day,” she said.
“PBA is the non-profit entity responsible for investing over $2 million in refurbishment works over the last 45 years to provide a warm, friendly community space for those with and without disabilities.
“We are presently negotiating a further 21-year lease at the centre.”
With extensive training and games in basketball and pickleball on offer, as well as volleyball and dodgeball, Dawn said wheelchair basketball and disability pickleball participation was also booming.
“We have a member Gerry Hewson who won a medal in wheelchair basketball in 1996 at the Atlanta Olympics, and he has just discovered pickleball,” she said.
“He hadn’t participated for years and now is enjoying being back on the court again and even playing with family members; it’s really heartwarming to see.”
Dawn said they were thrilled with the award nomination.
“We’re so happy that all of the community work we do is being acknowledged,” she said.
“We started out just wanting to create a safe space for our kids to play and it’s now become so much more.
“Disability sports students are even training here now and we feel like we’re winning our fight to keep our space as a not-for-profit.”
