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.