Nigel Stainer (Chair of the Board) with Linda Earnshaw (Board Secretary), Rebecca Stephens (General Manager, Southern Districts Basketball Association) and Phil Binder (Operations Manager, Southern Districts Basketball Association). Photo: Supplied.
CONTRIBUTED BY SOUTHERN DISTRICTS BASKETBALL
Southern Districts Basketball, Queensland’s largest junior basketball association, has entered an exciting new chapter with the official takeover of the Wakerley Districts Sports Park lease. The move, finalised only weeks ago, positions the association for significant growth as demand for court access and community basketball programs continues to soar.
Located in Carina, Southern Districts has long been recognised as a powerhouse in the basketball landscape, offering pathways from grassroots participation through to elite competition, including NBL1.
The association’s reputation has been bolstered by a standout 2025 season, collecting a suite of major honours. These include premierships across our Junior Representative program, QSL2 Winners and the 2025 NBL1 Association of the Year, NBL1 Men’s Premier Winners, and NBL1 Women’s Runners Up, making Southern Districts the first organisation to have both men’s and women’s teams reach the NBL1 Grand Finals. Further accolades were earned as a 2025 Basketball Queensland Association Finalist, General Manager Rebecca Stephens won Basketball Queensland Administrator of the Year, and Kate Stainer won Basketball Queensland Female Coach of the Year.
Beyond performance, Southern Districts continues to lead the way in basketball inclusion, creating pathways to the 2032 Brisbane Olympics. It recently became the first association to enter two national wheelchair basketball teams, underscoring its commitment to accessible and diverse participation. Its growing Neurodiverse Basketball Program further strengthens its reputation as a community-first organisation dedicated to ensuring every athlete has a place on the court.
With record growth, award-winning leadership and a strengthened facilities network, Southern Districts Basketball is set to elevate the sport’s future in Queensland while continuing to champion inclusion and development at every level.
The acquisition of the Wakerley outdoor courts facility marks a major opportunity for multiple sports being offered from netball to the exponential growth of pickleball. All outdoor court enquiries will now be managed by Southern Districts, opening the door for expanded competitions, additional training venues, and a broader reach across Brisbane’s bayside communities.
To make a court booking, please call 07 3398 2790 or email [email protected].
