Basketball Queensland is deeply saddened by the passing of Robert "Bob" Lambourn OAM, a highly respected referee, mentor and administrator whose contribution to basketball officiating spanned more than five decades.

Bob's impact on basketball in Queensland, Australia and internationally is immeasurable. Throughout a remarkable career, he not only set the standard for excellence on the court but also helped shape generations of referees who continue to officiate at the highest levels of the game today.

Introduced to basketball refereeing in Papua New Guinea in 1964 before continuing his journey in New South Wales, Bob settled in Brisbane in 1968. Over the next 35 years, including 33 consecutive years officiating in Queensland, he became one of the state's most respected and accomplished referees.

From the late 1960s through to the early 1980s, Bob officiated at Queensland State Championships every year, regularly earning appointments to gold medal games. His ability and consistency quickly saw him progress to the national stage, where he received his Australian Refereeing Badge in 1969, becoming only the second Queensland referee to achieve the honour at the time.

Bob went on to represent Queensland at Australian Championships for more than a decade, officiating across both junior and senior competitions and frequently entrusted with championship deciders.

His influence extended to the highest levels of Australian basketball. Bob was an inaugural referee for both the Australian Men's Club Championships and, later, the National Basketball League (NBL) when it commenced in 1979. Between 1979 and 1994, he officiated 129 NBL games, earning the respect of players, coaches and fellow officials across the country.

In 1975, Bob was awarded his FIBA International Referee Badge, opening the door to a distinguished international officiating career. He represented Australia at numerous international events, including Oceania Championships, Olympic qualifying tournaments, the prestigious William Jones Cup in Taiwan, Australia versus Czechoslovakia in 1988, and the World Masters Games, where he officiated the gold medal game in 1992.

While his on-court achievements were extraordinary, it is perhaps Bob's work away from the whistle that leaves his greatest legacy.

For more than 50 years, Bob dedicated countless hours to mentoring and developing referees throughout Queensland and Australia. Patient, knowledgeable and generous with his time, he guided officials from their very first games through to national and international appointments. His influence can still be seen today through the many referees he mentored who continue to officiate in the NBL, WNBL, Queensland State Leagues, Australian Championships and competitions across the country.

Bob's commitment to officiating excellence, education and the basketball community was recognised through numerous honours, including being awarded the Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) for his service to basketball.

His legacy extends far beyond the games he officiated. It lives on in every referee he mentored, every official he inspired and every person fortunate enough to learn from his wisdom, professionalism and unwavering passion for the sport.

Basketball Queensland extends its heartfelt condolences to Bob's family, friends and the many members of the basketball community whose lives he touched.

A funeral service to celebrate Bob's life will be held on Thursday, 6 August, commencing at 12:00 pm. Those wishing to pay their respects but unable to attend in person can view the service via the livestream provided by the funeral director:

Livestream: Robert "Bob" Lambourn OAM Funeral Livestream

Thank you, Bob, for your extraordinary service to basketball. Your legacy will continue to inspire generations to come.

Rest in peace, Bob Lambourn OAM.

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