‘I’m proud of what we’ve built together’: basketball boss calls time

BASKETBALL Ballarat CEO Neville Ivey has advised staff of his decision to retire at the end of the year.

After five years of dedicated service, Ivey will formally depart the organisation on Friday 19 December.

His appointment in 2020 followed decades of service to the region, including as the City of Ballarat’s community development director.

He succeeded former CEO Peter Eddy as the leader of the city’s largest indoor sports organisation.

Under Ivey’s leadership, Ballarat Basketball has gone from strength-to-strength.

Managing 16 courts across three locations, the association now supports roughly 640 teams and more than 6000 participants, welcoming over 31,000 spectators annually, and delivering more than 10 major events each year.

It’s estimated that through these efforts, basketball pours $20 million into the local economy, positioning Ballarat as a major sporting hub.

Ballarat Basketball chair Nathan Johnstone said Ivey’s leadership was instrumental in the organisation being awarded club of the year at the NBL1 awards in 2024, the same year both Miners NBL1 teams went deep into the playoffs.

“Nev’s legacy is one of steady leadership, community care and long-term vision,” Johnstone said.

“He’s played a key role in shaping not just our organisation, but the broader sporting and civic landscape in Ballarat.

“Whilst we will miss his guidance and now have some big shoes to fill, we also congratulate him on a fantastic career and wish him all the very best in retirement.”

An advocate for both sport and community development, Ivey continues to serve as the deputy chair of Commerce Ballarat.

His ability to connect government, business, and grassroots sport has helped foster inclusive and sustainable growth.

“It’s been an absolute privilege to lead Basketball Ballarat and to serve a community I care so deeply about,” said Ivey, reflecting on his time as CEO.

“I’m proud of what we’ve built together, with our board, staff, volunteers, clubs, and community, and I look forward to seeing the organisation continue to grow and thrive.”

Ivey’s retirement announcement came in the same week that Ballarat Basketball pulled off a coup, securing a Women’s National Basketball League match during the 2025-26 season, involving the reigning champions Bendigo Spirit.

The Spirit will play Geelong Venom in that game at Selkirk Stadium on 5 December.

Basketball Ballarat will formally advertise the role of CEO in the coming weeks.