Welcome to the SCBA Board
The South Canterbury Basketball Association (SCBA) Board is made up of passionate individuals dedicated to fostering the growth and development of basketball in South Canterbury. Our board members work closely with players, coaches, and communities to ensure a strong, thriving basketball scene in the region. Learn more about the leadership team who are driving the vision and direction of the association, and their commitment to promoting the sport at all levels.
Jacob Mulholland – General Manager
Jacob has been leading South Canterbury Basketball since 2024, bringing a passion for growing the game and creating opportunities for players, coaches, and referees at all levels. With a background in sports administration, sports coaching and community development, he has worked across a range of recreation environments to deliver high-quality programmes, competitions, and events. Jacob is committed to building a strong basketball culture in South Canterbury, fostering participation from grassroots to representative level, and ensuring the sport is inclusive and accessible to all.
Abbie Ross – President/Chairperson
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Phillippa Bedford – Treasurer
Phillippa has been on the South Canterbury Basketball board since its inception, treasurer for the last 20 years, and appointed a life member. She has played basketball since she was 13, and has only had a few years where she didn’t play. Phillippa has coached, and been a referee over many years, and is grateful that she is still able to participate in the game that she loves. There have been many changes over her tenure with South Canterbury Basketball, the appointment of a general manager, bringing the boards delivery of its objections into a manageable position, and allowing South Canterbury Basketball to grow.
Wayne van Vurren – Board Member
Wayne is a Solicitor with long-standing ties to South Canterbury basketball. A former player, self-proclaimed “LVP” for Timaru Club seniors in the late last millennium and just into the current one, he has been a dedicated South Canterbury Basketball Board Member since around 2002. Wayne brings a wealth of legal expertise along with strong commercial insight and practical judgment, helping to guide the organisation at a governance level. His commitment ensures South Canterbury Basketball remains strong and sustainable for both current players and the generations to come.
Belinda Dore – Board Member
Belinda has been deeply involved in South Canterbury basketball for many years, contributing as a player, referee, and coach at both local and representative level. Her passion for the game shines through in everything she does, and she especially loves helping young people grow, not just into better players, referees, or coaches, but into better people. For Belinda, basketball is truly a game for life. Through the sport she has built lifelong friendships and continues to inspire others to discover the same joy and connection that basketball has given her.
Chris Smeele – Board Member
Chris started coaching 23 years ago, loves basketball and is thankful to be able to support the community by coaching, refereeing and supporting the association. Working for Fonterra in the Cheese department has given him opportunities and flexibility to continue to do what he loves. Driven by a lifelong passion for basketball, Chris has dedicated himself both on and off the court, as a player, coach, and advocate. As a former athlete turned coach, Chris understands the power basketball has to build character, leadership, and community. Today, as a board member, he is committed to creating inclusive opportunities that allow everyone, regardless of background or ability, to access and benefit from the sport. Chris’ mission is simple: to use basketball as a vehicle for growth, connection, and positive change.
Will Lyall – Board Member
With over 16 years of experience in basketball both across New Zealand and overseas, Will brings a deep passion for the game, on and off the court. For the past decade, he has been a dedicated member of South Canterbury Basketball, contributing as a player, referee, and referee trainer. In 2025, he was proud to take on a new role as a board member. Will is especially passionate about developing others and building strong community culture around the game. Outside of basketball, he works with Silver Fern Farms and serves on their Emergency Response Team, always ready to support those around him.
Patron
Mr Keith Mair ONZM
Life Members
Y Ballantyne, F Filia, A McDonald, K Mair, G Melrose, W Williams, O Wilson, P Bedford, W van Vuuren, B Dore
Note: Any member wishing to nominate another member for life membership is to submit their nomination with supporting information to the Board prior to the end of November.
