City of Kalamunda Local Hero Award winner Elizabeth (Lizzie) Falconbridge has been volunteering with the Kalamunda & Districts Basketball Association for 42 years and umpired around 7,000 games. Lizzie delivers the ‘Taking it to Schools’ and ‘Hills Hoops’ stadium-based programs, introducing primary school children to basketball and helping develop the skills of players, referees, and coaches.

Lizzie also runs the Jets Basketball Club, supporting over 25 registered local teams (aged seven to 19) and coaches the U12 Eastern Suns WABL team, a representative club in the West Australian Basketball League.

“Her energy and enthusiasm are infectious, and her efforts are appreciated by those involved with the Kalamunda & Districts Basketball Association”, commended nominee and fellow volunteer, Scott Parker.

Mayor Margaret Thomas JP said, “Our local sporting clubs rely on volunteers such as Lizzie and Scott to function. They provide a valuable service and help keep running costs down.”

“Joining a local sporting club is a great way to build connections, increasing individual resilience, and staying physically and mentally healthy. It’s a slam dunk really!”

The City of Kalamunda is a proud partner of the ‘Act Belong Commit’ mental health promotion campaign to help create a more mentally healthy community.