A group of Australians recognised for their contributions to basketball and the community were honoured in the King's Birthday Honours on 8 June 2026.
The 2026 acknowledgments included Edward ‘Ned’ Coten AM, four-time Olympian Joanne Hill OLY AM, international official and administrator Elizabeth Woods AM, Victorian officiating trailblazer Rodney Bush OAM and South Australian coaching legend Graham Gliddon OAM.
Australian Opal Joanne Hill OLY OAM won silver with at Sydney 2000 and is recognised for her long and dedicated service to basketball in Australia. Hill played over 250 games in the green and gold and continued her commitment to the growth and development of basketball after her decorated playing career.
Edward ‘Ned’ Coten AM, a former Australian Institute of Sport (AIS) graduate and Perth Wildcat was acknowledged for significant service to sports administration. A former NBL player and co-founder of the Goldfields Giants in Western Australia’s State Basketball League, Coten served as Chair of Basketball Australia and Chair of its High Performance Commission, while also sitting on the Competitions Commission of basketball’s world governing body, FIBA.
AOC President, Ian Chesterman commented on the intake in a release from the Australian Olympic Commission.
“Today's honours recognise individuals who have dedicated their lives to making Australian Olympic sport stronger, more accessible and more successful. Many of these roles are carried out without pay yet their contributions extend well beyond medals and results; they have helped build communities, create opportunities for young Australians and ensure Olympic sport continues to thrive across the country.
“On behalf of the Australian Olympic Committee, I congratulate Michael Murphy OLY, Joanne Hill OLY, Michael Kennedy, Edward (Ned) Coten, Bronwyn Fagan and Yvonne Mullins, along with all members of the Olympic family recognised today. Their service reminds us that the success of Australian sport is built not only on athletic excellence, but also on the dedication of those who lead, govern, volunteer and give back to their sports every day.”
West Australian, Elizabeth Woods AM was acknowledged for her service to the game and her community as a law professional. Woods is a former international referee, Basketball Australia director and Basketball WA Hall of Fame member.
Woods officiated at the 1994 FIBA Women's World Championship and the gold medal game at the Sydney 2000 Olympic Games and served for decades in the Western Australian Magistrates Court.
Officiating mentor and leader Rodney Bush OAM was awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM). Bush is a life member of Basketball Victoria and drove the support and systems for referees through leadership roles with the Victorian Basketball Referees Association, Basketball Victoria, Basketball Victoria Country and Geelong United.
Bush spoke to the Geelong Advertiser on the acknowledgement.
“It’s quite difficult to put into words. It’s very humbling because you don’t do these things for personal gratification,” said Bush.
“Over the years you come to understand how important it is to help others. There are so many people who need support, care and kindness, and to receive this award as an acknowledgment of that is very special.”
Graham Gliddon OAM was recognised for decades of service to basketball through coaching, coach development, officiating education and administration. Gliddon is a Hall of Famer and Life Member of the Sturt Basketball Club and served as Director of Coaching with Basketball South Australia from 1991 – 2013.
Basketball Australia congratulates the group of outstanding individuals for their recognition and contribution to the game of basketball in Australia.
