Congratulations to our Life Member Vern Tessier who was today awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia in recognition for his services to Basketball.

Vern has been playing/involved in the Power House Basketball Club for over 45 years as a player, coach, scorer, referee, administrator and uniform washer. Vern can always be found at MSAC (previously Albert Park) supporting the PHBC midweek domestic players.

Vern has had a direct impact on the lives of many, many hundreds of basketballers encouraging them to develop their own skills and also to volunteer to support others.

Recognising the need to support those less advantaged in our community Vern co-founded a basketball competition for people with intellectual disabilities – this competition has now been running for over 30 years – and Vern’s been there, every Friday night, for that entire journey.

Vern’s individual contribution is unparalleled but his ability to attract and develop other volunteers and supporters has allowed the competition to be sustainable for such a long period of time.

Congratulations Vern – this is a well-deserved recognition for an outstanding contribution.

MEDAL (OAM) OF THE ORDER OF AUSTRALIA IN THE GENERAL DIVISION

Mr Vernon Phillip TESSIER, Mooroolbark VIC 3138 For service to basketball.

• President, Powerhouse Basketball Club, since 1976.

• Founder, Victorian Championship Competition (for People with an Intellectual Disability), 1987.

Awards and recognition • Inaugural winner, “Contribution to Basketball for Players with Intellectual Disability Award”, Basketball Australia, 1999. • Recipient, Victorian Celebration of Ability Award, 2001. • Recipient, Outstanding Contribution for Community Service, Advance Australia Award, 1994 • Recipient, Volunteer Involvement Award, Sport and Recreation Victoria, 2000.