Aunty Bev Coe grew up in Cowra, in Wiradjuri country. She has been a passionate lover of the great game of basketball all her life, sharing her love of sport with her sisters Rosa, Linda, Ann, June, Betsy and Vicki. Bev recalls a wonderful childhood spent outdoors. The girls played basketball in Cowra, for Indigenous team, the Unknowns.
Aunty Bev is a tireless worker for the kids of the inner city, particularly Waterloo, Redfern and Marrickville. She has been the president of the Redfern All Blacks Basketball Club for five years, taking over from founder Rob Welch who started the club ten years ago. The All Blacks have nine teams.
Bev loves watching the great game as it is played by the great USA dream teams, Michael Jordan and the Chicago Bulls. Their sheer athleticism and exceptional skills never fail to inspire. “The All Blacks play Dreamtime basketball,” she says, “and we keep the ball in motion.”
Bev has great respect for Indigenous basketballers Patty Mills of the San Antonio Spurs (NBL) and the Sydney Flames’ Rohina Cox.
Related by marriage to Anthony “Choc” Mundine, Bev acknowledges the boxer’s big heart and courage. “Choc does a lot for the club and is often seen supporting at games.”
The All Blacks is a great club to belong to, Bev says. There are so many ways to contribute and to be involved. She acknowledges the work done for the club by Alysia Poto. “Aunty Lysia and Aunty Mel Poto have put a lot of time, love and respect into the girls and boys in our club and we owe them both a huge gratitude. Thank you, girls. Love ya!”
On a grander scale, Bev acknowledges the great man Nelson Mandela and the noble cause of love and respect for all human beings.
When it comes to rugby league, Bev is a proud Queensland Maroons supporter and tips them to make it nine series wins in a row this year (she loves NSW’s Laurie Daly as well!).
Our Aunty Bev is the best and does so much for the kids.
I am inspired and proud to run the Sydney Half Marathon this year on behalf of the All Blacks. The 21.1km road running event will take place on Sunday May 18. Please help me to raise funds in support of Aunty Bev and the mighty Redfern All Blacks. Donations can be made by Electronic Funds Transfer to the Redfern All Blacks: BSB 062184; Acc. No. 11210960.
