Life Members

Ron was a key player in council negotiations to secure land for our stadium and it’s construction, as well as canvassing local schools to recruit players to play in the competitions in the inaugural Junior Domestic season. Ron was involved with the Diamond Valley Eagles club and even hand-drew the Eagle logo and screen printed them onto shirts in his home for the players. Ron also coached Junior Domestic at Kingsbury and Watsonia Heights and devoted lots of his time to mainly D-grade level athletes as a preference, pouring in time to those that often got overlooked – coaching up to 6 teams at a time in both boys and girls. He was a President of the Men’s committee, DVBA Secretary and was an inaugural player in our first Diamond Valley Eagles Senior Championship Men’s team.

Robert ‘Bob’ Plummer was instrumental in the development of the Diamond Valley Sporting Complex, spearheading efforts to get it built and serving on the steering committee. He founded the Diamond Valley Basketball Club and played a pivotal role in its early years, including running tournaments and managing the canteen. As president, he established competitions and organized events like the Diamond Valley Easter Classic. Bob also founded the Greenhills Basketball Club, growing it into the largest domestic club in the area. He coached numerous players who went on to represent at state, SEABL, and NBL levels, while also serving as a Victorian State Team Selector. In 1994, Bob received an Australia Day Award for his contributions to the basketball community. He is now honored as a Life Member of the Diamond Valley Basketball Association, recognized for over 40 years of dedicated service.

President of DVBA for 2 separate terms over a decade and a half combined, Aurthur was involved with Telstar domestic program in a number of roles, including coaching for nearly 20 years across all age groups, and was influential in having Friday night Junior Championship basketball games hosted by Diamond Valley as a venue. Arthur was the first President of the Association to devote money in the yearly budget towards Coach education, including sending coaches to Sydney to attend coaching clinics to further their development. Arthur also played a part, over a number of years, influencing the building of the Diamond Creek Community Centre for use as a game and training venue.

A member of the O`Connor family who had a major influence on our 40 year history, Terry played Junior Domestic with Greenhill’s since the opening of the stadium in 1976 and went on to play Junior Championship with the Eagles from U12s to U20s, representing Victoria Metro in U16s, U18s and U20s in Australian Junior Championships in that time. Terry played with Eagles for 12 years in Senior Championships, captaining the team for 9 of those seasons, Terry was also member of North East Melbourne Arrows in the SEABL, playing with and against NBL level talent. He also contributed to Association as a Junior Championship coach for 2 season, and refereed for 5 years in the mid 80s in the Junior Domestic competition.

Margaret was an influential member of DVBA with all her 8 children either playing, reffing or coaching, whilst she volunteered in a range of areas across the Association, and also took up the sport herself! Margaret was a key volunteer in the early days for the Eagles; assisting for numerous years in the Eagles Uniform Shop, sitting as a Committee Member and a fundraising volunteer for touring parties of junior teams that ventured interstate and to other countries such as New Zealand and USA. She was a volunteer and key organiser for the Churinga Sports Day (Late 70s). This was an event which was held for intellectually handicapped basketball players and included fixtured games at the Diamond Valley stadium. Margaret housed numerous imports that joined the Eagles senior team and educated them in the DV-Eagles way. She became their second mother and still to this day some of these players keep in regular contact from all areas of the world with her. Some of these people include Brook Gray, Jim Town and Ronnie Ryer. She regularly opened her house to billet junior players and families when they were visiting on interstate visits.

Beginning on the original steering committee, Avis has held a number of notable positions at the DVBA – from being Secretary in 1976 to spending over half a decade as President, and being the Tribunal Chair during the same time period. She was a key player in the running of the U16 Australian Junior Championships in 1986, the Diamond Valley Junior Easter Tournament, and went on to be a relied upon resource within the Civic League. Avis played a big part in inclusion programs for the disabled, including holding the National Wheelchair Games in the 80s at Diamond Valley. On court, she also spent time on the sidelines coaching the Melbourne United Stars in Senior Domestic. Best known in the craft of scoretable officiating, Avis set up the National Scoreable Association in 1989 and facilitated educational courses Australia-wide to deliver better accuracy in their function of scoring games. Avis is a Life Member of the VBRA and was inducted into the Basketball Australia Hall of Fame in 2007

Living much of his childhood, teens and adulthood at our stadium in Civic Drive, Ross has been a mainstay at our Association in many different positions – firstly as a Junior Domestic player with Telstar’s and Junior Championship player with the Eagles. Ross progressed to play for a number of teams in the Civic League, CVIBL for the Eagles and with the North East Melbourne Arrows in SEABL. Ross’s first job was as a receptionist at Diamond Valley, he has also refereed domestically, on and off, since 1985. As he entered his adult years, he delved into coaching where he has had incredible success over a long period of time with both boys and girls teams. His U18 boys won the VC title in 2012 and his U16 boys won the National Junior Classic in 2013. Ross has also represented Victoria as a Head Coach, winning 2 gold medals for the State and has coached at Basketball Australia’s Australian Development Camp at the AIS in 2012.

Son of John and Glennis who founded the Apollo Rockets  Basketball Club, Brad was a Junior Domestic and Senior Domestic player at the club, which included seasons in the Civic League where he was a multiple time All Star. Brad represented the Eagles in Junior Championship, was a member of the North East Melbourne Arrows, and most notably played 200+ games over a decade in the CVIBL/BL team to be the first ‘200 Club’ player at the Eagles. At the height of his career, Brad was approached to trial with the North Melbourne Giants NBL team. Brad has coached boys and girls teams at Apollo across 15+ years and spent a number of years refereeing at the Association in the mid 80s.

A well-liked character and long time manager of the Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre. Brian was the founder of the renowned Civic League – regarded the best Senior Domestic competition in the State in it’s time, and the creator of the Great Australian Shootout – an elite tournament for U20s athletes that ran for a decade and included touring International teams from the likes of the U.S.A, New Zealand and China. Our link to lowa has been well publicized with Diamond Valley sending a touring Eagles team over to play. Brian was highly influential in helping to progress the Association, from running programs for beginners on the mini court, to wheelchair basketball, to special needs basketball and being part of committees that helped the Eagles join the CVIBL competition and partner with Eltham to create the North East Melbourne Arrows. Brian also played and coached at both the Eagles and Parkside.

Heavily involved in the Watsonia heights domestic club, Sheelagh was a fundraiser, uniform coordinator and even coach in the Senior Domestic women’s competition. Sheelagh was also a Junior Domestic committee member and long-time Grade Secretary. She is notable for her extensive experience and contributions as a Scoretable Official, spanning from 1983 till today and covering all levels of the sport – from the Civic League, CVIBL and Big V just to name a few. Sheelagh also has received an award from Basketball Victoria for 35 years of service in the sport.

Also heavily involved in the Watsonia Heights domestic club, Vic was an accomplished coach in our Junior Domestic program for over a decade, beginning with Telstars, then moving to Watsonia Heights and winning championships along the way. Vic was on the Watsonia Heights committee from 1982-1990 and also played in our Senior Domestic men’s competition till the mid 90s. Trying his hand at Junior Championship coaching, Vic would educate himself as a coach by attending Melbourne Tigers games to sit behind the coach and take notes, and went on to Head Coach an Eagles U18 girls team to a championship. Vic has been a Big V State Championship Men’s Team Manager in the mid 2000s, been on our Tribunal panel, been preparing Big V post match suppers at games, and been a longtime Scoretable Official that spans till the current day.

Contributing to the Association for many years in a number of roles, Maree was the Basketball Administrator in the early 2000s, was a grade secretary in Junior Domestic and worked closely with our Junior and Senior Championship programs – being Chairperson for both for 7 and 12 years respectively, whilst holding the positions of board member, delegate and secretary of the VJBL and Big V competitions in that time. Maree sat on our DVBA Executive and was influential in the Eagles gaining initial entry into the Big V Youth League competitions and the growth and promotion of our Senior Women’s team to State Championship Women’s level. Maree was influential in beginning Player Development camps at DV in school holiday periods, beginning in 1999 and won the Lino Di Paulo award.

Steve has had a 13 year devotion to the game of basketball and the DVBA through his role as President of the Eltham North Basketball Club (2005-2011) and as President of the DVBA (2011-present). He has met, to the highest level possible, all the criteria we measure in assessing life membership: demonstrating significant, sustained and high-quality service enhancing the reputation and future of the overall Club.

Lyn has been an integral figure in Diamond Valley basketball since its inception at the Diamond Valley Sports and Fitness Centre in 1976. Initially involved through her son Gavin’s participation with Greenhills Basketball Club, Lyn’s commitment to the sport expanded as all three of her sons became deeply involved. In 1979, she joined Greenhills Basketball Club’s committee, focusing on junior domestic programs, catalysing significant growth in both the club and community interest in basketball. Her influence extended to the Diamond Valley Basketball Association (DVBA) in 1980, where she served as an age group coordinator before eventually becoming President. Over her tenure, Lyn played a pivotal role in the expansion of the association, including overseeing the construction of additional courts at DVSFC. Notably, she spearheaded the expansion of boys’ domestic competitions across available indoor courts, contributing to basketball’s widespread popularity. Lyn’s dedication to basketball administration is evident in her extensive involvement across various committees within the DVBA, from serving as Secretary of the Referees Committee to roles in championship and domestic committees. Her enduring commitment has earned her recognition from Basketball Victoria for 25 years of service. Even now, Lyn continues to contribute, recently appointed to the History and Awards Committee, embodying her unwavering advocacy for the sport and its community.

Lorraine Kapnoullas was a pivotal figure in basketball for over 50 years. Co-founding the Rosanna East Basketball Club in 1976, she coached numerous grand finals and served as grade secretary for two decades. Lorraine also excelled as a referee and supervisor, crafting uniforms for multiple clubs. In 2004, she pioneered the Eaglets program with her husband and daughter, aiming to enhance female representation in basketball. Transitioning to coaching the Eagles representative team in 2005, Lorraine’s dedication bore fruit with numerous achievements: her Under 12 team achieved Victoria Championship Titles, National Junior Classics Bronze and Silver Medals, and invitations to prestigious events. Basketball Victoria recognized her contributions in 2008 and celebrated her 50 years of service in 2018. Tragically, Lorraine passed away in 2014, leaving behind a legacy of passion and mentorship. Her impact continues through the players she coached, forever remembered and cherished.

Mike’s 40-year journey with the Association began with the founding of the Rosanna East Basketball Club alongside his wife Lorraine. Over the years, he coached numerous teams, securing many Grand Final wins and fostering friendships in the Civil Women’s League.
In 2004, Mike co-founded the Eaglets program, dedicated to enhancing basketball skills in young girls. As Director of Coaching, his leadership led to all 1st teams making the Victorian Championship in 2005, earning the DVBA the Female Club of the Year title. His coaching extended to representative basketball with the Eagles, achieving invitations to the National Junior Classic and medal finishes in national championships. Recognized by Basketball Victoria in 2019 for 50 years of service, Mike’s tireless dedication helped countless young women excel in basketball, both domestically and in representative arenas, with many players reaching State and Australian teams.

Debbie has been an integral part of the Diamond Valley Basketball Association since childhood. Starting at 9, she played for Rosanna East Basketball Club and later transitioned to coaching and administration roles. She excelled in the Eagles representative program, winning gold in the U12 Victorian Junior Championships and a silver at the 1983 Under 14 Australian National Championships. Debbie continued her involvement, winning numerous grand finals as a player and coach. In 2004, she co-founded the Eaglets program, fostering young talent. Despite a hiatus during the cancelled season due to covid, Debbie returned to coaching, inspired by her mother’s legacy, anyone who has talked to Debbie on basketball will have heard her quote her mum “If you respect and care for your players and build them up, they work hard for you.” She led teams to success in various tournaments, including Eltham and Dandenong Tournament gold and National Junior Classic silver. Debbie’s dedication extends beyond coaching; she revived the Eaglets program and assisted the Active Ants program, promoting inclusivity in basketball. Her passion lies in nurturing future leaders through sports, making her cherished by players, parents, and the basketball community. Debbie gives to basketball unconditionally and unquestioningly.

Trevor began his basketball journey at 12, playing for Fawkner Tech. He later played for St Kilda and Chelsea, participating in four Australian championships. Transitioning to coaching, he led Diamond Valley’s Under 18’s and Under 20’s men’s teams in the late 1980s. Trevor contributed as a player-coach for Apollo in the Civic League. He returned to Diamond Valley after starting a family, aiding in establishing the Hurstbridge Basketball Club and coaching various age groups. From 2009 to 2015, he guided Diamond Valley’s Men’s Youth League team to remarkable success, earning five consecutive Big V Youth Men’s Coach of the Year awards and two championships. Trevor served as the Under 20 men’s Victorian state assistant coach from 2010 to 2013 and head coach from 2014 to 2016. He was honoured as the 2016 State Champ Men’s Coach of the Year. In 2021, he was appointed as the Under 18 boys Victorian state coach. Trevor is currently the head coach of our NBL1 Men’s for the 2nd consecutive season.

Robert William Maxwell, better known as “Moe” around Diamond Valley Bassketball Association. Robert has been a pillar of the DV community for 25 years, contributing as a player, referee, coach, administrator, and committee member. Playing in the Wednesday night “A” grade league for over a decade, he then served as a referee and supervisor for a combined 15 years. Additionally, Robert acted as a panel referee for the Monday night Civic League for more than 12 years. His dedication extended to committee membership and senior program involvement, including over five years as a team manager. Robert’s coaching prowess was evident as he led the Thursday night Women’s A grade team for five years and assisted in developing programs like the Great Australian Shootout alongside Brian Harvey. His multifaceted contributions have left an indelible mark on the association.

Wilma, who passed away in June 2015, made enduring contributions to Diamond Valley Basketball Association, leaving an indelible mark. Her involvement spanned various administrative roles, encompassing junior and senior championship teams, as well as senior and junior domestic programs across multiple clubs affiliated with the association. She served diligently on numerous committees, including Watsonia Heights, Rosanna East, and DV senior domestic committees. At the representative level, Wilma chaired committees for CBL, VJBL, and senior championship, demonstrating her leadership prowess. Wilma’s commitment extended beyond administrative duties.
She served as a tribunal member for over 20 years and played a pivotal role in the senior championship program as a delegate for CVIBL and Big V. Additionally, she dedicated over 20 years to supporting the senior championship program as a score table official and statistician, often traveling with teams across the state. Her dedication exemplifies the backbone of sporting associations, where individuals like Wilma, through their selfless contributions, ensure the smooth operation of clubs and associations. Diamond Valley Basketball Association cherishes Wilma’s legacy, and her granddaughter Sam was invited to accept her well-deserved life membership in honor of Wilma’s invaluable service.

Darren Plummer’s 25-year tenure with Diamond Valley Basketball Association and Greenhills Basketball Club has been marked by his exceptional contributions across various roles, earning him life membership. As a player, he competed in the senior state league for over a decade, securing back-to-back championships and transitioning to player-coach, leading the team to further success. Darren’s coaching career extended to junior boys’ teams for nine years, spanning multiple age groups and including coaching Diamond Valley teams on USA tours for five years. He played a pivotal role in initiating several programs within the association, notably the Monday Night Civic League and the Great Australian Shoot Out, serving on their organizing committees for over 12 years. Darren’s dedication and hard work have significantly contributed to the association’s growth and development, deserving recognition and gratitude from the community.