Grit, Greatness, and the Bizlink Flames

More Than a Game: Why the Bizlink Flames are the Heartbeat of Rockingham

by Wade McColl (12/05/2026)

BizLink Flames Basketball Team. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

Stepping into the Mike Barnett Sporting Complex, you don’t just hear the basketballs bouncing; you hear a community breathing. The Bizlink Flames aren’t just a team; they are a statement.

The Electric Atmosphere

BizLink Flames & BAM on court 4, Mike Barnett Sporting Complex. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

When the Flames met the Mandurah Magic (BAM), the rivalry was friendly, but the competition was fierce. The sidelines were packed with families whose voices echoed off the rafters. It wasn’t just “supportive” noise, it was the kind of roar you hear at a grand final.

The Legend on the Court

Brayden Read - Local Baldivis Legend. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

We’ve all heard of the “Brayden Effect.” After our coverage of Brayden Read’s 11 years at Dome, we knew he was a worker. But seeing him on the court? That’s a whole different level of legend. Watching him compete reminds you why this community rallied around him in the first place. He isn’t just a participant; he’s a powerhouse.

The Woman Behind the Flame

Stephanie Fielding & the BizLink Flames Basketball Team. Photo: supplied.

Stephanie Fielding was recently named the 2025 Citizen of the Year, and within five minutes of watching her manage this team, you see why. As an NDIS Coordinator and the Flames’ Team Manager, she is the engine room.

The sobering truth? The Bizlink Flames have no formal funding. Every jersey, every court rental, and every trip is fueled by volunteers and local kindness.

How You Can Help

BizLink Team shooting at the hoop on court 4, Mike Barnett Sports Complex. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

The Flames train every Tuesday from 5:30 PM to 7:00 PM. They are always looking for members, supporters, and anyone who wants to help keep this vital program running. This is where the real work of “inclusion” happens, not in a boardroom, but on Court 4.

Brayden Read Shooting at the hoop on court 4, Mike Barnett Sports Complex. Photo by Wade McColl, Baldivis Times 2026.

Conclusion

When we support the Flames, we aren’t just supporting a sports team. We are supporting the idea that everyone, regardless of ability, deserves a place to shine.

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THE SECRET WE CAN’T AFFORD TO LOSE

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Defying Limits Under Falling Stars: A Twilight Trek on the Bibbulmun Track