Mary Aldred is the new Chair of the Gippsland United Board of Management. Ms Aldred is well known to many Gippslanders, having served as the founding CEO of the Committee for Gippsland, on the boards of Lifeline Gippsland, Latrobe Regional Hospital, and Australian Sustainable Hardwoods. A basketball fan, Ms Aldred also played the game in her 20s.  

Affiliated with Basketball Victoria, the Gippsland United provides elite pathways for junior competition through to  elite Big V Men’s and Women’s teams in the region. The club covers from East Gippsland through to South Gippsland and Bass Coast, Baw Baw Shire and Latrobe City. A 2020 strategic review of the Gippsland Basketball recommended a number of actions to strengthen and promote basketball in Gippsland, including a skills based board, an increased sponsorship base and improved development opportunities for talented young Gippslanders to have a pathway through to elite level. 

“With over 10,000 participants, Basketball is the fasted growing participation sport in the region, and I’m delighted to have the opportunity to contribute to its growth and success,” said Ms Aldred. 

“The sport depends on grassroots volunteers who put so much into making the game enjoyable, sustainable and successful in Gippsland, and we need to make sure they continue to feel valued and included. I’m a big believer in community sport setting kids up for success in life. Sport teaches us teamwork, resilience, coachability and the importance of working towards a shared goal,” Ms Aldred said. 

Gippsland United Board Member Erin Maskell said the Board was very pleased to have Ms Aldred in the role. “After a comprehensive selection process we are delighted Mary will be joining our board. Her commitment to Gippsland, corporate governance skills and strong network of business contacts will be of great benefit to basketball in Gippsland,” said Ms Maskell.