Every great club starts with an idea. For the Hurstbridge Hurricanes Basketball Club, that idea was born in 1997 when two passionate local residents, Peter Trask and Jeff Lyon, recognised something special and a need in their community. They saw talented young basketballers in Hurstbridge who deserved the opportunity to play together, develop their skills and represent their hometown.
Determined to make it happen, Peter and Jeff called for expressions of interest from local families. The response was enough to enter two teams into the Diamond Valley Basketball Association competition, an Under 12 Girls team and an Under 10 Boys team. In February 1998, those two teams stepped onto the court for the very first time as the Hurstbridge Rustlers.
Like many young clubs, Hurstbridge’s identity evolved quickly. The original playing uniform featured white singlets with yellow and burgundy panels, matched with burgundy shorts, designed by a local supplier. But as the club found its feet, discussions around the committee table continued about finding a name that better reflected the spirit and ambition of the club.
Before long, the Rustlers became the Hurstbridge Hurricanes Basketball Club. Eighteen months later, the club unveiled its first official logo, giving the Hurricanes a recognisable identity that would become familiar across courts throughout the Diamond Valley.
Growing with Every Generation
In 2006, the committee decided it was time to redesign the club uniform. Players and parents were invited to submit ideas, making the process a true community project. After considerable discussion, the new design debuted at the Ballarat Basketball Tournament, where it got noticed! The response was overwhelmingly positive, not only from Hurricanes families but also from opposition teams and referees.
A club trivia night helped raise the funds needed, and the new uniforms were officially introduced at the beginning of the 2007 season.
Thirteen years later, in 2020, the club modernised the uniform once again. The updated design incorporated a refreshed logo and, importantly, a reversible playing singlet, allowing players to simply reverse their jersey when playing against teams with similar colours, a practical innovation that has become invaluable on game day.
A Club Built on Opportunity
In 2025, the club proudly fields 31 teams, comprising 19 boys’ teams and 12 girls’ teams, providing opportunities for many young, local athletes to enjoy the game.
Success has followed that growth.
The Hurricanes have celebrated numerous premierships across both boys’ and girls’ competitions while developing players capable of competing at the highest junior levels.
Among the club’s proud achievements are athletes including Luke Deylen, who became the first Hurricanes player to represent Victoria at the Under 16 National Championships, and Kristian Williams, who captained the Victorian Under 18 Boys State Team.
The club continues to produce talented players, with Hurricanes athletes currently representing the Diamond Valley Eagles, in the Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) competitions across both boys’ and girls’ programs.
Powered by Volunteers
Like every successful community club, the Hurricanes have been built by volunteers who generously gave their time, energy and passion.
The club acknowledges the significant contribution of many early leaders, including:
- Terry Stephens – Junior Boys Coach and Committee Member
- Jeff Lyon – Boys’ and Girls’ Coach and Club President
- Trevor Lee – Senior Boys Coach
- Trish Faulkner – Boys’ and Girls’ Coach and Club President
- Marlena Kinvig – Committee member who fulfilled numerous roles, including tournament organisation
Leadership Through the Years
The Hurricanes have also been fortunate to benefit from dedicated leadership across nearly three decades.
The club’s Presidents have been:
- Peter Trask (1998–2000)
- Jeff Lyon (2001–2004)
- Trish Faulkner (2005–2008)
- Paul Riggs (2009–2011)
- Sonia Cuthbert (2012–2015)
- Kayleen Jones (2015–2019)
- Kevin Lemmar (2019–2025)
- Richard Cuthbert-Sayers (2025–Present)
Each has played an important role in guiding the club through periods of growth, change and success.
More Than Basketball
Looking back, it’s remarkable to think the Hurricanes began with just two teams and a vision shared by two passionate locals.
Today, the club is much more than a basketball program. It is a community where friendships are formed, volunteers are valued, families come together, and young athletes are given the opportunity to grow both on and off the court.
As the Diamond Valley Basketball Association celebrates its 50th Anniversary, the story of the Hurstbridge Hurricanes is a reminder that some of the strongest clubs are built by passionate people willing to create opportunities for the next generation.
From the Rustlers to the Hurricanes, the journey has been one of community, resilience and pride, and the next chapter is only just beginning.
(as taken from the Hurricanes website)
