THE OPPORTUNITY
Gippsland United Basketball is seeking an ambitious and experienced Head Coach to lead our Championship Men’s program for the 2027 VBL season.
Following five successful years, including the progression of the program from Division 2 through to VBL Championship Men, the club is looking for the right person to lead the program into its next chapter.
The Head Coach will be responsible for the overall leadership and direction of the Championship Men’s program, with a strong focus on performance, player development, culture and competing for championships at the highest level of country basketball.
The successful candidate will have significant responsibility for establishing the team’s playing style and identity, managing the playing group, leading the coaching staff and preparing the team to compete successfully throughout the VBL season.
We are looking for a coach who:
WHY GIPPSLAND UNITED?
Gippsland United provides an exciting opportunity for a coach to lead an established and ambitious senior basketball program representing the Gippsland region at the highest level of VBL country basketball.
Our Championship Men’s program has experienced significant growth in recent seasons, progressing from Division 2 to Championship Men’s, while achieving multiple Grand Final appearances and VBL Championships along the way.
The next Head Coach will have the opportunity to build on this foundation and shape the next era of Gippsland United Championship Men’s basketball.
At Gippsland United, we support our senior coaches with the resources, administration, operations and basketball infrastructure required to run a successful program, while providing the autonomy to establish their own playing philosophy, team identity and coaching environment.
Our senior program sits within a broader club committed to developing players, connecting our elite programs with junior basketball and strengthening the basketball pathway across Gippsland.
With a large regional catchment, a growing basketball community and an established presence across VBL and VJBL competitions, Gippsland United provides an opportunity for the successful candidate to have an impact well beyond the Championship Men’s team.
We are seeking a coach who shares our ambition, embraces the Gippsland United environment and is ready to take ownership of the Championship Men’s program and drive its next phase of success.
REQUIREMENTS
Applicants must:
If you think you have what it takes to lead Gippsland United into a new era, reach out to operations@gippslandunited.com.au with your resume or CV.
*Remuneration will be negotiated with the successful candidate.
After five incredible years at Gippsland United, we say farewell and thank you to Scott McKenzie, who is stepping away from his role as our Championship Men’s Head Coach.
Scott’s impact on United has been enormous.
Over 100 games on the sideline, Scott helped guide our Men’s program from Division 2 all the way to the Championship Men’s, establishing Gippsland United as one of the leading country programs in the Big V.
2x Big V Championships
3x Big V Grand Final Appearances
3x Big V Coach of the Year
100+ games coaching Gippsland United
But beyond the wins, championships and awards, Scott has played a huge role in building the culture and standards of our senior program.
From Division 2, to Division 1, to Championship Men’s, Scott has been there every step of the way.
His commitment, competitiveness and belief in Gippsland basketball have helped create a program that players, coaches and our entire basketball community can be proud of.
Scott, thank you for five outstanding years of service, leadership and memories.
From Division 2 to Championship Men’s — what a journey.
Congratulations on an incredible United career, Scott. We wish you all the very best for whatever comes next.
Thank you, Scott!
Gippsland United is now inviting Expressions of Interest for VJBL Coaches and Assistant Coaches for the upcoming representative season.
We are seeking passionate, committed, and community-minded coaches to help lead and develop our junior athletes across the following age groups:
This is a fantastic opportunity to be part of a growing representative program focused on player development, teamwork, culture, and creating positive basketball experiences for Gippsland athletes.
All coaches and assistant coaches must hold the appropriate Basketball Australia coaching accreditation in line with Basketball Victoria and VJBL requirements.
Minimum accreditation requirements include:
All applicants must also:
Whether you are an experienced representative coach or looking to take the next step in your coaching journey, Gippsland United welcomes your interest.
Applications can be submitted here:
VJBL Coaching EOI Form
Registration for Gippsland United tryouts for the upcoming VJBL season is now open. Below you will find dates planned for these tryouts.
All athletes aspiring to try out for Gippsland MUST register via the link below.
To confirm your registration, you will receive 2 emails from PlayHQ (1 is an invoice, the other is a registration confirmation).
If you do not receive these two email’s you will NOT be registered and unable to participate in the tryouts.
What to bring to try-outs:
No GU or Association gear to be worn!
Tryout Dates:
Friday, October 3
Saturday, October 4
Friday, October 11 (if needed)
Morwell Tournament will also be used by coaches to assess athletes in games.
Times and venue for each age group will be determined closer to tryout dates, but will be held in either Traralgon, Churchill or Moe.
Age Groups:
Under 12: 2015/2016
Under 14: 2013/2014
Under 16: 2011/2012
Under 18: 2009/2010
Please note: U14, U16 and U18 Tryouts are closed try-outs.
Athlete Eligibility
Per the Gippsland United VJBL Athlete Eligibility Policy (found here) all athletes must meet the below eligibility criteria:
Register Here: https://www.playhq.com/basketball-victoria/register/0e97ed
Registrations strictly close at 11:55 PM on Sunday, September 7.
Late registrations will not be accepted!
Keep an eye on the Gippsland United website and Facebook page for any updates.
If you are coming to Gippsland United from another VJBL association, you must receive a Permission to Train form, which can only be accessed at the end of September, but MUST be filled in before you can attend any tryouts.
Steve’s journey through Victorian basketball has been nothing short of remarkable. With 127 games for Latrobe City Energy and currently 72 games for Gippsland United, Steve has left an undeniable mark on the court and in the community.
His contribution to Gippsland basketball has extended far beyond the stat sheet. Known for his leadership, resilience, and commitment to the game, Steve has played a pivotal role in shaping the success of Gippsland United in recent years. His presence has helped to build the culture and professionalism that the club prides itself on today.
While his career has had its fair share of challenges – including injury setbacks – Steve’s determination and love for the game have never wavered. His grit and perseverance are traits that have inspired teammates, coaches, and young athletes across the region.
One of the highlights of Steve’s decorated career came in 2022, when he helped lead Gippsland United to a Big V Championship – a crowning achievement that reflected his unwavering commitment and drive to succeed.
As Steve prepares to take the court for his 200th game, the entire Gippsland United family extends a heartfelt congratulations and sincere thank you. This milestone is not only a testament to his personal dedication but also a celebration of everything he’s given to Gippsland basketball over the years.
Join us this weekend as we honour Steve “Obi” O’Brien – a true Gippsland great.
Congratulations, Obi! Here’s to many more.
🏀 Congratulations to Our Gippsland Stars!
Gippsland United is proud to congratulate Seth Fozard and Fletcher Adams on their selection to the 2025 Vic Country State Team — a huge achievement and a testament to their dedication and talent. Both athletes continue to represent Gippsland United with pride on the national stage.
We’re also thrilled to celebrate local Gippsland standouts Ollie Muir, Ashlee Spark and Marley Alimpic, who have also earned their spots on their respective Vic Country teams. Your region is behind you every step of the way!
The 2025 Foot Locker Under-16 National Championships are set to ignite Bendigo from Saturday, July 5 to Sunday, July 13, bringing together Australia’s premier young basketball talent.
Hosted at the renowned Red Energy Arena, this event marks a significant milestone for under-16 athletes nationwide.
Organized by Basketball Australia, the championships serve as a pivotal platform for emerging athletes, offering them the opportunity to represent their respective states and territories.
The tournament features both boys’ and girls’ divisions, with each team vying for national glory.
The event schedule includes:
The championships not only highlight athletic prowess but also foster camaraderie and sportsmanship among participants. For many, this event represents the first step towards a potential professional basketball career.
Gippsland’s reputation for producing elite basketball talent continues to shine, with multiple athletes selected to represent Victoria Country. With Gippsland United and local pathways growing stronger each year, this is a proud moment for our community to see its athletes on the national stage.
Fans can purchase tickets via Ticketek Australia.
All games will also be streamed live on KommunityTV, giving supporters across the country the chance to follow every play.
Red Energy Arena in Bendigo provides the perfect backdrop for this national showcase, reflecting Basketball Australia’s ongoing commitment to promoting the game in regional communities.
The Foot Locker U16 National Championships are more than a competition — they’re a celebration of grassroots talent, determination, and the future of Australian basketball.
Gippsland United Basketball is pleased to announce the appointment of Heath Johnson as the club’s new Director of Coaching and Development, commencing July 1st, 2025.
A familiar face within the Gippsland United community, Heath has been a driving force behind the club’s growth and success in recent years. He brings extensive experience to the role through his long-standing involvement as a Victorian Junior Basketball League (VJBL) coach, as well as his valuable contribution as an Assistant Coach to the Big V Women’s team.
In his new position, Heath will play a critical leadership role in the strategic development of both players and coaches within the club. He will focus on building a unified and recognisable “Gippsland United Style of Play”, aligning teams with modern basketball philosophies and Basketball Victoria’s player development framework. This approach will foster consistency across the junior and senior pathways, ensuring athletes and teams can transition and grow with clarity and purpose.
Heath will also oversee the recruitment and induction of VJBL coaches each season, with a strong emphasis on continual coaching development. A key part of his role will be implementing structured assessment and feedback processes to help coaches reflect, grow, and deliver high-quality programs to our athletes. Through regular mentoring, education sessions, and hands-on support, Heath aims to strengthen the overall standard of coaching across the club.
Gippsland United Basketball Operations Manager, Simon Whelan, said:
“Heath has already proven his commitment to our values and long-term vision. His passion, ability to mentor, lead, and develop others, make him the ideal person to take on this role. We’re excited about the future under his guidance.”
Heath’s appointment represents a significant investment in the club’s long-term strategy to develop elite-level talent and coaching capacity across the Gippsland region. His leadership will help guide the next generation of athletes and coaches while strengthening connections with local associations and community programs.
Please join us in welcoming Heath to this pivotal role and supporting him as he helps shape the future of Gippsland United Basketball.
PARTNERSHIP ANNOUNCEMENT!
We are incredibly excited to welcome Snowy River Traralgon to the Gippsland United Family!
Located at 5527 Princess Hwy Traralgon, they are a part of the esteemed SNOWY RIVER family. The dealership in Traralgon continues the longstanding tradition of delivering Australia’s most premium and value-for-money caravans to our customers.
If you are in the market for a caravan or looking for a great way to make your Tournament Travels more memorable, head to snowyrivertraralgon.com.au or drop in and see Chris and the team!
Snowy River Traralgon support a number of local Gippsland organisations and we could not be happier to be a part of the team!
Big V has just dropped the Division 1 Men’s fixture and what a year it will be.
Round 1 kicks off on March 22nd with a Preliminary Final rematch against Whittlesea being held at GRISS.
We then take on Western Port in a second home game before hitting the road.
Check the full fixture below and watch for the final squad announcements over the next few weeks.
With vaping on the rise in Australia over the past few years, a range of public health responses have emerged to tackle this complex issue in multiple ways.
The UNCLOUD campaign is one of them.
With more and more young people vaping every year, UNCLOUD creates space for young people to hear from their peers.
To share their experiences, thoughts and feelings.
To have a voice.
UNCLOUD is a hub to find peer-reviewed, scientifically-backed information about vapes, and see vaping for what it is. But, more importantly, it’s a platform for young Australians to warn each other of the horrors of vaping.
Here, they can write the warning labels they were never given. The warnings vapes never came with. All to build understanding and spark conversations about the impacts of vaping.
This enables young people to engage with the platform in different ways and in different places, meeting them where they are and connecting them to peer-led conversations and appropriate support services.
Showing that one of the best ways to get through to young people and change behaviour, is through other young people.
Visit UNCLOUD to learn more and see vaping for what it is – UNCLOUD
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