Our April instalment of 'Volunteer of the Month' focuses on Peta Small. Members who are involved in Willetton’s representative teams will know thatPeta is a key member of the Representative Teams Committee.  Along with a team of volunteers, her “everything ‘WABL’” role is extensive - from arranging training, coaches, managers, nominations, to player clearances and carnival entries!

When and how did you get involved with Willetton Basketball?

I started playing for Jets when I was 8 years old, back in 1978. 

What are your activities and what do they involve (around Willetton)?

I am involved in the club as the WABL Administrator on the Representative Teams Committee (RTC), helping to ensure all of the administrative duties for our 23 WABL teams get done.I have just completed my scoretable accreditation, so I help out on the scorebench at SBL games.  I also coach, and both my children play basketball at Willetton, so I also spend a lot of time supporting them.

What motivates you to stay involved? 

Willetton is a fantastic club and I have made many friends across my years of involvement. It is also really rewarding to work with other like minded volunteers, to help ensure our club keeps running well.

In your opinion, what is the most important work that WBA does?

It provides a safe place for people in our community, young and old to participate in one of the best sports in the world. 

Why do you volunteer?

It is very rewarding to be a part of a club that provides excellent opportunities for the youth in Willetton and surrounding areas. 

Of what contribution or achievement are you most proud?

I'm proud that I survived my first year as WABL Administrator! Coaching junior basketball is also something that I find really rewarding and I am really proud to see my son starting to get involved in coaching and refereeing too.

What do you hope the organization will achieve in the near future? Long term? 

I look forward to seeing the WABL five year plan continue to increase the number of teams participating in the WABL. Last year we had 18 WABL teams, this year we will field 23 WABL teams and by 2018 we could have as many as 35 teams in the competition. I also can't wait for the redevelopment of our stadium and hope this happens sooner rather than later. 

Does anyone in your life play a role in supporting your involvement? Providing Inspiration?

My husband Ian supports me to be involved in our club and without his support I could not devote the time needed to do the administrator role. He also volunteers as a WABL team manager and is the Games Commissioner on SBL nights, so we have a real family involvement in the club. My children also play, coach and referee for the club, as well as work on SBL nights and my family's involvement in our club continues to inspire me to volunteer. 

Do you have an anecdote about this organisation that really moved you?

After returning to the club a couple of years ago, when my children became old enough to start playing basketball, I was amazed by the number of familiar faces in the stadium. Many of the friends I played with and against many years ago, now have their own children playing basketball in Willetton. There are a couple of families where a third generation are now involved. Willetton is a real family club. 

What other organisations or causes do you support?

I have volunteered for Telethon for 4 years, as a volunteer driver over the Telethon weekend. It's a fantastic cause that raises money for children's health and research in WA and on top of that it's a really fun weekend to be involved in.

Do you have a message to share?

We always need more volunteers - even a small amount of time can make a huge difference. Many hands make light work for all of us and I guarantee you will find it a really rewarding experience.

Willetton Tigers WABL is a strong and proud program that has seen it win the Gillam Trophy (overall excellence at WABL) in 10 of the last 17 years, and this has continued in 2014 under Peta and her team’s administration.