The Pioneers Basketball Club has announced a renewed commitment by the City of Mount Gambier, extending their partnership for a multi-year commitment.
The continued partnership and term of the commitment was unanimously supported at the council’s January meeting and will continue to support the Pioneers showcasing both women’s and men’s teams competing within a national competition up until the end of the 2030 season.
Mount Gambier Mayor Lynette Martin said council recognised the Pioneers Basketball Club was the only regional South Australian team to compete in a national basketball competition.
“The club provides significant economic benefit to the City of Mount Gambier and the team is an inspiration to our aspiring young basketball players,” she said.
The six-year partnership provides both cash and in-kind support for the Pioneers to continue to deliver and grow their home games at the state-of-the-art Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre.
Additionally, the partnership will bolster the club’s efforts to continue to activate Wulanda as the home venue for the Pioneers and other basketball and sport and recreation related events.
“Council is proud to support the club through the 2024/2025 Grants and Sponsorship program to the value of $50,000 and also provide up to $75,000 in kind support and further support where required to assist with the facilitation of home games at Wulanda Recreation and Convention Centre,” Mayor Martin said.
“It is wonderful to see the Pioneers play at Wulanda, showcasing their talent at our city’s state of the art, sport and recreation facility.”
In 2023 and 2024 the Pioneers Basketball Club delivered consecutive NBL preseason games, hosting the Adelaide 36ers along with interstate teams the South East Melbourne Pheonix and Brisbane Bullets.
Club president Tom Kosch said the Pioneers looked forward to continuing this high level basketball competition in Mount Gambier at Wulanda in 2025.
“Pioneers Basketball Club are extremely grateful to the City of Mount Gambier for their support of our basketball club and look forward to delivering on a successful partnership into 2030,” Kosch said.
“The City of Mount Gambier’s continued support is invaluable to our basketball club.
“This long-term commitment allows us to focus on our performance and sustainability within NBL1 South and allows us to further enhance the game night experience for our fans and community.”
The Pioneers Basketball Club pre-season is about to start with several games and tournaments scheduled within the Limestone Coast and western Victoria.
The NBL1 South season tips off on March 28 with the Pioneers hosting their first home game at Wulanda on April 4.
