Posted on 3 June, 2012
Kilsyth Basketball is honoured to share the news that Director of Kilsyth Basketball Dick Thomas was recognised on Saturday 26 May 2012 by the Shire of Yarra Ranges Council as one of this year’s “Unsung Heroes”. As a part of the National Day of Thanksgiving, each year the Shire holds a Mayoral Breakfast and selects eight individuals in the community who deserve to be acknowledged for their long-term services to the community. This year’s theme was to honour individuals who embody selflessness and a record of caring and serving others in the area of sport in the Yarra Ranges. Dick Thomas was selected as one of the eight esteemed individuals who bettered the Shire through his efforts in the field of sports.
Dick has an extensive background at Kilsyth Basketball, having served as an office bearer, coach or team manager in almost every area of Kilsyth Basketball’s operations. He served as President of Kilsyth and Mountain District Basketball Association (K&MDBA) in 1981, SEABL Kilsyth Cobras Men’s Assistant Coach 1984-1991, SEABL Kilsyth Cobras Men’s Team Manager 1994-1997. After a long career as a banker, Dick Thomas became General Manager of Kilsyth Basketball in 1999 until his retirement in 2008. Dick continues to serve today remaining as a Director of Kilsyth Basketball a position he has held since October 1982. Dick is a life member of the K&MDBA.
The National Day of Thanksgiving, first instituted in 2003, was created as an opportunity for Australians to celebrate and give thanks to our heritage and our values of honour, respect, thankfulness and gratitude towards our fellow man that have made us the great nation we are.
The recognition ceremony was held at the Foothills Conference Centre in Mooroolbark and had over 200 people in attendance. Yarra Ranges Council Mayor Graham Warren was the host for the breakfast. This year’s event was sponsored by Phil Munday’s Panel Works and Oxley College. The day was filled with top-notch speakers including Ray Walker, ex Western Bulldogs Best and Fairest Player and Radio Commentator, and Cameron Butler, Chaplain of the Melbourne Football Club. Dick was sincerely honoured to be a part of it all.
“I was very humbled to be recognised amongst these seven other notable individuals,” Thomas said. “Everyone has done quite a bit for the area and it was a lovely day getting a chance to learn about all their accomplishments. I was very thankful for the opportunity to be included.”
On behalf of all of us at Kilsyth Basketball, congratulations Dick on your much deserved recognition and we appreciate everything you have done and continue to do that makes us the largest Basketball Association in Australia and the most highly respected operation of its type.
