Denis Russell has been involved in Townsville Basketball for over 30 years and is recognised as a driver of the growth and the emergence of Townsville Basketball as one of the major basketball associations in Queensland. Denis was largely responsible for the formation of the Townsville Fire in the WNBL in 2001-2002 which has been recognised by the introduction of the Denis Russell Commitment to Excellence Award.

At a state level, Denis was a Basketball Queensland Board member for many years, during which time he was strongly involved in the formation of the QBL. Denis was a strong advocate for policies and programs that supported regional centres, notably Basketball Queensland entering two teams (North and South) in the Australian Under 16 and Under 18 Championships.

In recognition of his high level of involvement in the advancement of basketball in Queensland over a span of more than 40 years, Denis has been awarded Life membership by Cannons Basketball Club & Life Membership of Townsville Basketball. He has also been recognised as Administrator of the year by both Basketball Queensland and Basketball Australia and tonight we are delighted to welcome him to the ranks of Basketball Queensland Life Member.