2025 Annual General Meeting - Nominees

Please see below our nominees for the upcoming North Gold Coast Seahawks Basketball Inc. Annual General Meeting which will take place on Saturday 13th December.

See the Annual General meeting details here.

Annual General Meeting Nominees:

President Nominee:

Name: Ben McGrath 

Some will know that I have recently filled in as the Interim President after holding the role from Dec 2018 to June 2023. 

When asked to come back and the reason to nominate this time is around trying to bring back the stability this role needs given the number of changes to the position being held since I stepped down. 

Key to needing to bring back stability is in many layers – stability firstly for the association, clubs and staff. Secondly for the wider community and external partners. 

This entails at its core a focus on governance, the forward view on the strategic plans and re-engaging opportunities for future facilities. 

Professionally I have a National Commercial Manager role, with key skillsets of forecasting, planning, costings and P & L’s, people management, contract negotiations, customer management and working with all stakeholders internally and externally. All transferable skills for the role of the associations President. 

All up I have been around Seahawks for around thirteen years since my son started playing and have coached U12 representative sides for the last decade. I’ve also served as a club secretary and coached club previously as well.  

Secretary Nominee:

Name: Rachel Smith

My name is Rachel Smith and I’m a mother to 4 kids all who have played or are playing for Seahawks.

There Isn’t much to me, I didn’t play basketball myself, I never served on any boards before and I don’t have much by way of useable skills to take on this job.

I do however have common sense and a belief that everyone who steps through those doors and wants to play basketball, should be able to do that in a fun and safe environment. I also believe in transparency and stability, something that this association has been missing for a long time.

My family and I love Seahawks, and I’m willing to serve on the board so many other families can feel the same way. 

Committee Nominee’s – 2 Positions:

Name: Ingrid Singleton

I’m Ingrid Singleton, mum to 3 girls aged 9 to 16, who have all played or play basketball here at Seahawks. My name may sound familiar to some of you as I have previously worked in the Seahawks office in the admin/accounts role which gave me a great understanding of how the association operates and the needs of its members.

My vision for Seahawks is to focus on the grassroot elements which bring real value to our players and members:

·       Accessible programs that help every player reach their potential in their basketball journey.

·       Recognising and supporting the goodwill, enthusiasm, dedication and time given freely by our invaluable volunteers.

·       Supporting the operational staff by fostering a collaborative working relationship which allows them the ability to deliver the boards strategic vision.

·       A constitution that offers equitable representation for all players, members and clubs.

I have previously volunteered on many committees so understand and respect the responsibility and privilege that comes with holding a position which helps shape the future of our association for our members. It is the Boards responsibility to listen to our members and deliver outcomes which benefit all players and clubs equitably.As a board member I will work with the committee to ensure strategic direction, strong governance and clear communication is at the forefront of our work. Seahawks is the fastest growing basketball association in Queensland but has struggled at board level in recent times. I am committed to helping our board refocus on the foundation of our association – our members – without whom, we wouldn’t be here.

Name: Kerry O’Connor

I am a dedicated Seahawks coach, working with our U12 and U14 representative teams, as well as coaching club teams from U10s to U16s. I also remain actively involved as a senior domestic and social player, playing around four times a week! My involvement at both junior and senior levels provides me with a good understanding of our community and the factors that support its development.

I am committed to the game, focused on player development, and value building strong relationships with families, volunteers, and all members who contribute to our association. I believe in clear communication, mutual support, and fostering an environment where players feel recognised and encouraged to improve.

If given the opportunity to join the committee, I would like to listen to our members, represent their interests, and assist in strengthening all aspects of our association, from junior domestic to representative pathways, as well as elite and social competitions. My aim is to contribute constructively, support growth, and help make the Seahawks a positive and welcoming environment for everyone and help lead our association into a bright future.

Name: Liahona Taleni

I’ve been a Seahawk for fifteen years, and this place feels like home. I’ve watched young players grow, find confidence, and learn who they can become. Basketball is the spark, but the real impact runs deeper than the score. It’s friendships that last a lifetime, resilience built through trials, and a community that opens doors. I’ve seen shy kids become leaders, teams turn into families, and moments that change lives. The court teaches lessons that go far beyond any sideline or highlight. That’s why I want to step forward and help guide where we go next – because this club has shaped me, and now it’s my turn to give back with purpose and respect. For over twenty years I’ve given my time to the game, serving state teams and supporting young athletes as they take their first steps into elite pathways. I’ve been there for their early mornings, nerves, victories and heartbreaks, showing them expectations and the standards that help them rise. Those experiences taught me how important strong guidance, patience and care really are. Now I want to bring that same heart to the Seahawks committee. We need people who think differently, who aren’t afraid to speak up, and who see diversity of opinion as a strength, not a challenge. Great committees are built from collaboration and open minds. I’m ready to contribute with honesty, experience and passion for the community that has given so much to so many.

Name: Stacey Hodge

Basketball has been a lifelong passion for me, both on and off the court. Growing up, the sport was a huge part of my life—I played up to State Level in juniors, earning National Gold medals, and later competed in the QBL for Lady Spartans. After a break to raise my children, I returned to coaching about 10 years ago and currently coach at Saint Stephens College. These experiences have given me a deep understanding of the importance of fostering player development, teamwork, and community engagement at all levels. My years of coaching and mentoring athletes have provided valuable insight into what players, coaches, and families need to thrive within a successful association.

I’m passionate about giving back to the sport and the community that has given me so much and that I credit for shaping the person I am today. As a parent of two boys who play basketball, I’ve been actively involved in their development by coaching their club teams and serving as an assistant coach and/or team manager for their representative teams every year for the past five years.

I previously served on the Phoenix Gems (Logan BA) and Pimpama Pelicans Committee’s and am currently a member of the Seahawks Girls Advancement Committee, where I work to create opportunities for more girls to play and stay in basketball. I believe sport is a powerful tool for building confidence, resilience, and life skills, and I’m committed to helping increase female participation at all levels.

Professionally, I’m a Senior Psychology and Biology Teacher, which has equipped me with strong communication, organisational, and leadership skills. These skills, combined with my experience in grassroots and representative basketball, allow me to bring a balanced perspective to committee work—one that values player development, community engagement, and strategic growth.

I’m nominating for the Management Committee because I want to help strengthen pathways for players, support coaches, and ensure Seahawks continues to be an inclusive, forward-thinking association. I’m excited about the opportunity to contribute to the future of basketball in our region and work alongside others who share the same passion for the game.

Name: Tyrone Ward

My name is Tyrone Ward, I am a father of 4, 3 of which play for this association in either club or representative. My motivation stems from a strong belief in the power of sport to foster inclusion, resilience, and personal growth. Being part of the Board offers an opportunity to contribute to the strategic direction and sustainability of the club, ensuring it continues to thrive for current and future generations, but also to provide a sense of community and enable transparency and accountability for all of the Members of the association.

I bring extensive coaching experience, having coached at both club and representative levels. Over the years, I have worked with all age groups from under 11s to under 18s, coaching both boys and girls of all skill levels, orientations and special needs. Some of my teams have consistently achieved success, winning multiple club championships and reaching grand finals, while others have improved in abilities, confidence and comradery with teamwork. This hands-on involvement has given me a deep understanding of player development, team culture, and the importance of strong leadership in sport.

In addition to coaching, I have previously served on the Coomera City Warriors committee, which provided valuable insight into governance and community engagement. I aim to use this experience to help strengthen the Seahawks’ programs, enhance member participation, and support initiatives that promote inclusivity and growth.

My vision is to help the Seahawks become a leading club that not only achieves success on the court but also builds a strong, supportive community where every player feels valued and inspired to reach their full potential.