Congratulations to the 2023 Bill Cumming award recipient

The Bill Cumming Young Achiever Award is for young people between 15 and 25 who live in the Neerim district. The annual award is named in honour of the late Bill Cumming and is presented in the spirit of Bill’s commitment to the Neerim community and his passion for encouraging young people to strive for excellence.

The 2023 recipient of the award was Riley Morehu, a talented basketball player. “Riley loved basketball from an early age but was always a perfectionist and practiced his ball skills and shooting every spare minute he could, especially shooting 3 pointers,” his mother Emily Morehu said.

Riley started playing basketball for the Neerim South Wolves when he was seven years old and also played for the Warragul Warriors. “One of my earliest memories was feeling nervous about being on the court for my first tournament in Korumburra playing for the Warriors,” Riley said.

He began doing state tryouts, VJBL competitions and as an older player, CBL and big V competitions for Gippsland United. He also played for Vic Country on a few occasions and participated in school national competitions. “Riley enjoys the strategy associated with basketball and has a brilliant eye for plays and a vision on the court,” Emily said.

Approximately three years ago Riley was selected for a State Development squad and began to play basketball with Gippsland United basketball team. In the last twelve months, despite him being only sixteen, he was selected for the Gippsland Senior CBL team.

“I couldn’t believe I get to play basketball at the highest level possible and hopefully one day as a professional player,” Riley said.

“Riley applies a high standard to his game and his pressure on the court is well known,” Emily said.

The Bill Cumming award will assist Riley with the costs that are involved with playing for Victoria.

“The travel and costs associated with basketball are massive, not only for the games, but training, physio, equipment, and travel. We as a family, and especially Riley, are so grateful to the committee for nominating Riley for the Bill Cumming award,” Emily said. “The Cumming family have given so much to this community, and we are so grateful to receive this. It’s a real honour,” Emily said.

Nominations for the award open in October, and a teacher, coach, mentor, community group or representative of a community group can nominate a young person they think has shown outstanding achievements. This can be in any field like arts, sports, academics and more.

For more information, please email neerimcommunityfoundation@ndfs.com.au.