At Westgate Basketball, our people are at the heart of everything we do. We’re fortunate to have a passionate mix of a small dedicated staff team and an incredible group of volunteers, all working together to create opportunities for everyone to enjoy and participate in our sport.
Proudly representing Melbourne’s west, our team embodies the values of community, inclusion, and growth. Whether it’s on the court, behind the scenes, or in the stands, we’re united by a love of basketball and a commitment to making a difference.
Jules has been on the Board since 2017, serving as president since 2019. Jules started coaching at Altona in 2014 before moving to Westgate and coaching for both Westside and the Imperials. Jules joined the Board with an interest in developing Westgate's domestic competition and growing the Imperials representative program.
Since taking on the president role he has focused his efforts on organisational and structural changes for the club, improving engagement with key stakeholders and decision makers, and working with venue owners and operators for improved facilities and a new stadium for Westgate to call home.
Jules still plays "competitive" basketball with his son and enjoys spending time with his family going out to watch the Cats at the G, attending concerts in one of Melbourne's amazing music venues, and dining in Footscray and Yarraville.
Mia joined the WBA Board in 2023 to take on the secretary role, coming to the club while in a leadership position with the Newport Raiders. Mia is also an active parent and volunteer with the Imperials, which sees most of her weekend dedicated to youth basketball.
In addition to her role as secretary, Mia is responsible for grant writing to support the club's effort to fund girls basketball camps and programs and other Westgate initiatives.
Mel recently joined the Westgate Board as Treasurer, bringing an interest and background in financial management and good governance.
Mel has been actively involved with the Kensington Colts and the Imperials as a Team Manager for many years and has been the Treasurer on the Kensington Colts Committee since 2021.
Outside of work and her kids' many sporting commitments, Mel loves getting out and enjoying good food, coffee and Melbourne’s live music and arts scene.
Arvi joined Westgate in 2023 with an interest in coaching and player development. Arvi has been with Westgate since 2022 coaching for the Imperials, and in 2023/24 leading the 16.1 boys team.
Arvi started basketball at the age of 11, playing his early years at RecWest. He spent the majority of his juniors with the Melbourne Tigers moving through the ranks and played a number of years at BigV level, most notably with the Melbourne Uni Black Angels.
Outside of Westgate, Arvi's most notable accomplishments was his work with the Melbourne Tigers development squads, where players coming out of these teams became key contributors to top Tigers teams.
Alphan joined the board in 2023 after being the club representative for the Williamstown Magic on the Domestic Competition Sub-Committee.
Alphan has a life-long passion for coaching and community building and has supported Westgate across a range of initiatives and programs, currently taking on leadership of the Westgate Tribunal.
Dani joined the Board in 2024 with a special interest in supporting the club’s push to enter into BigV and climbing the ranks in the competition.
Dani has also been the Operations Lead for Westgate's BigV team, overseeing all aspects of game day functions from staffing to organising competitions and fan engagement activities. Dani enjoys working with her team to give the Imperials a true home court advantage and bring the Westgate family together.
Since 2020, Dani has been involved in Westgate’s domestic competition as a coach and team manager with two children who love playing basketball. She also has a daughter who plays for the Imperials so the family calendar is fiilled up each week with Westgate basketball.
Dani is passionate about the sport and the positive impact that team sports can have on people’s lives. When Dani is not juggling her kids’ activities, she enjoys trying new cafés or going for a walk with friends.