James Murphy
A STALWART of Mount Gambier basketball was officially recognised for her contributions to South Australian Country Basketball during the weekend’s junior tournament held in the Blue Lake city.
Beth Serle OAM has dedicated 50 years to the sport at a state level and her achievement was celebrated at the Icehouse on Saturday.
During the ceremony, SA Country Basketball president Nathan Grosser presented Serle with an award as a keepsake for her impressive milestone.
Grosser put into perspective the colossal amount of hours Serle has contributed over the years.
“It is hard to work out what 50 years of service is – it is a huge gift,” he said.
“For seven days of Country Champs a year, over 50 years, that is 350 days.
“That is a full year Beth has given to the SA Country members.
“And that is just at Country Champs, let alone all the work which goes into those championships beforehand.”
Grosser said it was “a great pleasure” to present Serle with the award, while he also bestowed another surprise honour.
A new SA Country Basketball award has been introduced, which will be the Beth Serle Award for the best SA Country volunteer of the year.
Serle remained modest as she accepted the honour and thanked those around her who had supported and helped her journey.
“I feel very humbled in accepting this award,” she said.
“It is not really my award, it has come about because of many people.”
She thanked her family and the countless volunteers she has worked alongside over the years.
She also gave an important mention to her “inspiration” – the junior players she had been lucky enough to help on their basketball journey.
SA Country Basketball Council life member John Spooner also had some kind words to say during the ceremony.
He presented Serle with a framed certificate recognising her many achievements across the last five decades.
They included:
South Australian Country Basketball – Secretary 1973-89, Vice President 1989-2022, Bob Sanderson award 1986, life membership 1989.
Australian Country Junior Basketball Cup – Administration Manager 1986-2016, life membership 2016, Merit Award 2002.
Basketball Mount Gambier – Volunteer 1969-2022, life membership 1976.
Basketball South Australia – Life membership 1989.
Australian Sports Commission – Australian Sports Medal 2000.
Basketball Australia – State and National Administrator of the Year 2004.
City of Mount Gambier – Citizen of the Year 2004.
Basketball Association of South Australia – Merit award 1985.
Pioneers Basketball Club – Life membership 2003.
Governor General of Australia: Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) 2018.
