Fraser Coast Basketball recently became an affiliated association with Basketball Queensland, cementing its status as one of the strongest represented clubs in the state’s wheelchair basketball landscape.
At the heart of this growth is Michael Oxley, whose dedication propelled the program to new heights.
Originally from Canberra, Oxley discovered the sport at the AIS and followed his journey as a sports administrator to the meteoric growth of wheelchair basketball in Central Queensland. Fraser Coast’s President of five years, Peter Kalbfell, delved into detail on Michael Oxley’s impact, growing a community in Fraser Coast and surrounding areas.
“He (Oxley) regularly drives up and down the Bruce Highway, often with carloads of wheelchairs and kids to different tournaments, programs and events across the state”, says Kalbfell.
“Michael is an awesome mentor, and has always encouraged me as a player, coach and president. He has given passion and expertise to the wheelchair basketball fraternity for over 25 years.”
The dream started with a single player on a squash court in the early 2000’s.
Since then, Michael and Peter have grown the Fraser Coast wheelchair association to currently have 30 registered wheelchair basketball players.
“Michael was instrumental in getting the Fraser Coasters up and running, setting up a committee and getting the word out,” Peter added.
The club now hosts multiple programs. Monday nights run from 4pm to 8pm, featuring team training, wheelchair matches and 3x3 games. Additionally, the associations’ representative team has two-hour training sessions each Saturday morning.
Fraser Coast Wheelchair Basketball Association has strong foundations, yet Peter Kalbfell sees even more potential with plans underway to restart a Wednesday night 3x3 program in Hervey Bay.
“Michael’s influence on the community has been profound, building the framework for success,” he says.
“He was the driving force behind the conception and development of the Frenchville Rockwheelers, based in Central Queensland in the early 2000s. He then brought the same talents to the Hervey Bay and Maryborough region, building the Fraser Coasters club from the ground up,” Peter said.
Through passion, mentorship and unrelenting commitment, Michael Oxley continues to grow and shape the community in Fraser Coast.
If you're interested in getting involved or playing wheelchair basketball in Queensland, click here.
For more information on the Fraser Coast Basketball Association, click here.
