Dr Jack Bendat Joins Basketball Board

Perth businessman and philanthropist Dr Jack Bendat has accepted an invitation to join the Board of Basketball Australia.

Dr Bendat pioneered the concept of shopping centres in Western Australia and founded the first satellite television station in Australia.

He also achieved great success in the wine industry and ownership of various radio stations in Western Australia.

Dr Bendat was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia in the 2009 Queens Birthday Honours list for service to the community through philanthropic contributions to a range of charitable and cultural organisations.

In 2002, he was named Citizen of WA for his extensive philanthropic work with youth, arts, sport and more recently in medicine for the Bendat Family Comprehensive Cancer Centre.

Dr Bendat has been Chairman and owner of the Perth Wildcats since February 2006.

In 2007, Dr Bendat was awarded an Honorary Doctorate of Letters by the University of Western Australia.

Announcing the appointment, Basketball Australia Chairman, David Thodey stated "it is with great pleasure that we welcome one of Australiaâs greatest entrepreneurs to the Board of Basketball Australia

"With his business acumen, his high standing in the community and his obvious passion for our sport, Jack is a great addition to the Board."

Bendat joins the Board of Basketball Australia now made up by Chairman David Thodey and Directors Diane Smith-Gander, Bruce Spangler, John Maddock and Andrew Gaze.