How newly-elected Seahawks board plans to ‘move this place forward’ in wake of NBL1 departure

The North Gold Coast Seahawks have elected its 2025 Management Committee, a former axed-coach taking on the role of President with eyes on prioritising club values and building a legacy. Full story:

Sunny Lappin for Seahawks. Div 2 Gold Medal Match North Gold Coast Seahawks Teal vs Southern Districts Titans. Under 16 Girls State Basketball Championships. Friday, April 15, 2022. Picture: Nev Madsen.

North Gold Coast Seahawks President Jordan Mullan said he was ready to leave the past behind and move forward in his new role at the club with a newly-elected board in-tow.

Mullan’s appointment, finalised at last week’s AGM, comes a year on from his sensational axing as NBL1 Men’s head coach, which sparked a period of turmoil at the club.

“Everyone’s got their own opinion and that’s fine, but we’ve got to ultimately find a way to move this place forward,” Mullan said.

“The most important thing I can do and we can do as a committee is listen and take on board other people’s opinions and feedback.

“We don’t have all the answers and we’re not proclaiming to have all the answers, but we have a very strong responsibility to the greater membership and we want to consider all stakeholders in that.”

Seahawks NBL1 North Women's team 2024

The coveted coach is a form believer that every person in the north Gold Coast region should be able to access basketball

“Whether it’s cost, travel time, development opportunities (or) access to resources... it’s our responsibility to ensure that happens.”

Mullan said he was eager to work alongside an array of well-represented committee members, all carrying invaluable experience in what it takes to run a sporting club day-by-day.

“The exciting part for me is that I’ll never claim to be the smartest person in the room,” he said.

“We’ve created a board that has a detailed knowledge of what it takes to run a club.

“For me as President, I get to be surrounded by … people with much more experience than me who can ultimately inform me about how we best tackle any challenges or obstacles.”

With years of basketball expertise - including coaching, mentoring and recruiting - Mullan knows the exact formula for success in the sport.

“We can’t grow the game for our players without growth in our coaches, our administrators and our referees,” he said.

“There’s a significant appetite for more development pathways within our club and not just at a representative level.

“If we can be more proactive in that space and have more structures and framework to support … we’ll be in a good (place).”

He spoke candidly about the club’s need to look forward, particularly in the wake of its departure from the NBL1 competition next season.

“It’s obviously an important part of the pathway,” he said.

Biwali Bayles makes the move from North Gold Coast to the Sydney Comets. Picture: Kieron Place Art & Photography. NBL1 East

“We want to be part of that; we want our players to have that opportunity to play at the highest level whatever that may be.

“We’ve got work to do (and) we understand that … we’re willing to get our hands dirty and roll up our sleeves.”

At the same time, Mullan said it was crucial to maintain a membership-first mentality - meaning there would be little chance of return without a promise of longevity.

“Our members are wanting us to deliver on sustainability in that space before we do (return).

“It has to be both operationally and commercially viable for our membership, not just the top five per cent.

“We don’t know when that will be, but we’ll do the work to get there.”

While it means the club lacks a premier pathway in the immediate future, Seahawks removal from the NBL1 space is set to shift the club’s focus towards the all-important development.

“We’re excited to do the work,” Mullan said, pointing to the work of Seahawks’ outgoing committee.

“They did everything they could to try and deliver on the strategic plan and that’s part of stepping into these roles.

“It’s takes a world of sacrifice to do that, and now this new committee has the opportunity to build on it.

“We are moving forward. We want to build it, we want to grow it and we have to serve our members.”

Axed-coach returns to Gold Coast basketball club as President for 2025

Former North Gold Coast Seahawks NBL1 Men’s coach Jordan Mullan has been voted in as the club’s President for 2025.

An AGM, held Saturday November 16, was called to elect six management committee positions following the end of 2024 tenures including President, Vice President, Treasurer and three Committee members.

Mullan’s appointment comes a year on from his sensational axing as NBL1 Men’s head coach, which sparked a period of turmoil at the club.

Pointing to the club’s history of producing elite talent including notable names like Jack McVeigh, Katie Deeble, Tara Manumaleuga, and Alex McEwan, Mullan said he was excited to get to work and continue building the Seahawks family.

“I would like to thank our outgoing committee members Rob Sleaford, Andrew Price, Anthea Donovan, Leigh Whinwray and Natalie Greenaway for their tireless effort, dedication and the countless hours they have given to this great club over recent years,” he said.

“They have made countless sacrifices to ensure the longevity of the Seahawks and oversee our continued growth as a club.

North Gold Coast Seahawks elect new board at AGM, November 16

“We will always prioritise our values and ensure that moving forward, every person in the North Gold Coast region has the opportunity to get involved in Basketball at North Gold Coast Seahawks.

“To build on this legacy, we must continue investing in our players, coaches, officials, and volunteers to ensure the growth of both our club and the sport.

“Community, family, and inclusivity are at the heart of everything we do and will continue to guide us into the future.

“We have a significant opportunity in one of the fastest growing areas of the country to be able to offer Basketball to all ages all abilities and we want every person to feel welcomed and part of the Seahawks family.”

Seahawks wrote on Facebook: “On behalf of the North Gold Coast Seahawks, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our outgoing board members for their dedication, leadership, and countless contributions to our club.

“Your commitment to our community has left a lasting impact, and we are deeply appreciative of the time and energy you have given to help us grow and thrive.

“Thank you for your invaluable service, and we wish you all the best in your future endeavours.”