Down memory lane…a history of 70 years of Darwin basketball

This exhibition shows the development of basketball in Darwin over its 70 year history. Put together by Maisie Austin, a prominent Darwin figure and Life Member of the Darwin Basketball Association, who has been researching this history for many years through records in the Northern Territory Library, interviews, newspaper articles and photos collected over the years, and from her own experience as a past President, representative player, coach and referee.

In 1948, Rowena McGuinness Abala and Jane Ah Mat together with Charles See Kee and Cyril Ah Mat formed teams and the NT Basketball Association and competition commenced on a basketball court at a boxing stadium in Cavenagh Street, known as the “Stadium”. By 1952, the court was in such a dilapidated state, dangerous to the players, that it had to be demolished. 

The Association was offered a site on the corner of Daly Street and the Esplanade under a Special Purpose lease by the Administration. The court at Daly Street was built by voluntary workers, various organisations and businesses, mechanical experts, tradesmen and individual truck owners and was officially opened on Saturday 12 June 1954.

In 1984, basketball moved to the 3-court indoor “Spectrum Stadium” at Marrara, which attracted more clubs and players; junior competitions commenced and representative teams participated at interstate and overseas tournaments. Darwin players, referees and score officials excelled to national level and international level and have represented Australia.

The Darwin Basketball Association has developed and progressed to five board-sprung international sized courts, offices and a canteen.

Hear the stories behind the exhibition told by Maisie Austin herself at the Talk: Remembering and Reminiscing on 70 years of basketball in Darwin on Wednesday 15 May, 5:30pm, bookings essential. 

Photo courtesy of Maisie Austin. 1959 Darwin Women's Basketball Team