Our Purpose

With a proud legacy spanning over 60 years, the Blue Mountains Basketball Association (BMBA) has played a central role in developing basketball in the Upper Blue Mountains.

Our journey began in 1961 when Fred and Brenda Pateman established the Association and organised games at Katoomba High School. As basketball grew in popularity, the need for better facilities became evident. In the early 1980s, Fred and Brenda played a key role in fundraising efforts that led to the construction of a new indoor basketball court—built on the site that remains our home today, the Katoomba Sports and Aquatic Centre.

Fred and Brenda remained actively involved for decades, supporting new generations of players through coaching, refereeing, and mentoring. Their dedication was recognised in the 1980s when they became the first life members of BMBA. In 2003, the Blue Mountains City Council formally named the Katoomba Basketball Courts “The Fred and Brenda Pateman Courts” in honour of their contributions to both basketball and the wider Blue Mountains community.

Though both Fred and Brenda have since passed, their generosity, sportsmanship, and unwavering commitment have left a lasting legacy and their influence continues to inspire all those who step onto their courts.

Today, BMBA stands as a testament to the passion and dedication of the local basketball community. From its humble beginnings in a small gym to a thriving organisation, the Association has flourished thanks to the efforts of countless players, coaches, volunteers, and supporters who have helped shape its success.