“Unequivocally deny”: Gold Coast basketball club responds to damning allegations made by former employee

The North Gold Coast Seahawks (NGCS) basketball association has responded to claims made by a former employee, saying they unequivocally deny the allegations. In turn, the club has assured members and the community of it’s competency. Full story:

Former Brisbane Bullet Cameron Goldfinch has resigned from his position as Basketball Development Manager amid a swarm of allegations against the club’s management style.

A Seahawks junior since 2008, he has since spoken out about the deep-rooted issues of club management.

The North Gold Coast Seahawks (NGCS) basketball association has responded to claims made by a former employee, saying they unequivocally deny the allegations.

In turn, the club has assured members and the community of its competency.

“There’s obviously been a lot of turnover in the past couple of years and that can be attributed to many things,” Goldfinch said.

“That’s the reality of it.”

Cameron Goldfinch

Goldfinch’s resignation is the latest addition to a chain of Seahawks farewells including newly appointed NBL1 head coach Jordan Mullan, who was abruptly let go in December 2023 just two months after being hired and four months before the 2024 season began.

Goldfinch was vocal about his support for Mullan, describing his appointment as a turning point for the club.

“There was a process behind him being appointed and there was a panel including multiple committee members as to how he was appointed.

“That was fine until he was appointed the job, and then it became a problem and I believe that’s because of personal issues that committee members have had with him in the past.

“That’s one thing that I would really like for them to answer to,” he said.

Seahawks President Robert Sleaford responded saying: “Our committee comprises dedicated volunteers with expertise in various fields, including basketball, business, finance, governance and telecommunications.

“Each member commits their time and effort to the common goal of enhancing the North Gold Coast Seahawks (NGCS) association.

“We stand by the integrity and dedication of our committee members, who work tirelessly to ensure the success and development of our programs.”

Questions were first raised around the same time Brady Walmsley and Darren Mackenzie resigned from the club as general manager and president respectively.

“As soon as Brady was gone they let him (Mullan) go and they didn’t have a coach for some time,” Goldfinch said.

Seahawks have since filled the head coach position with former Red City Roar head coach Colby Stefanovic, but Goldfinch is hesitant about the appointment.

“I’m not sure the association is in a position to objectively be more successful … I don’t think that they’re operating in the best interests of success,” he said.

“Colby coached Red City Roar who are no longer part of the competition.

“I don’t think it is indicative of Colby’s coaching ability, but the reality is that team came last two years in-a-row.”

Cameron Goldfinch of the Bullets during warm up. (Photo by Anthony Au-Yeung/Getty Images)

Instead, the soon-to-be Rockhampton Rocket (NBL1) is headstrong that Mullan was the right man for the job on and off the court.

“Everything points to Jordan being a capable NBL1 coach … what Jordan was going to help the association with most was his interest in being in the community.

“That’s another thing that lacked in previous teams … there are people above the operations team who are all volunteers, managing people who are being paid.

“People who are qualified aren’t going to put up with people who aren’t qualified,” he said.

“Essentially we are paid for the responsibility, and a lot of times people can get out of it by saying ‘well I’m a volunteer I don’t have to do this,’ but those are the same people influencing all the decisions we make.

“It’s just a bit convoluted.”

Cameron Goldfinch in action for the Seahawks. Picture: Peni Taleni

“A lot of people are involved, and some are involved for the right reasons … some because they’ve always been involved and like what they can do with the power.”

New additions have joined the Seahawks since allegations first swirled, though Goldfinch believes these are the least of the club’s problems.

He instead expects previous committee members will swoop the nest when given the chance.

“There are people who have resigned or stepped aside that are major drivers behind this whole problem and I have no doubt that they’ll want to step back in when it’s all good again.”

In his response to Goldfinch’s claims, Sleaford emphasised that the opinions of former employees do not reflect the views or actions of the NGCS management committee.

“These individuals worked for the association for a brief period, and their perspectives is their opinion and not based on fact.

“These comments are defamatory and we unequivocally deny the allegations made,” he said

“We assure our members and the community that all decisions are made with careful consideration and in the best interests of the association.

“We continuously strive to improve our programs and services to benefit our members, and any changes are implemented with thorough evaluation and feedback.”

The club has since announced the appointment of an experienced Interim General Manager to conduct a comprehensive review of the Seahawks association.

“This review aims to identify areas for improvement and enhance our operations to better serve our members.

“We remain committed to transparency, accountability, and continuous improvement in all aspects of our organisation.”

Originally published as “Unequivocally deny”: Gold Coast basketball club responds to damning allegations made by former employee