The Sydney Swans congratulate club patron Basil Sellers on being named as an Officer of the Order of Australia (AO) for distinguished service to the community through philanthropy and leadership, and to sports administration.
Basil Sellers arrived in Australia from India in 1948, settling in Adelaide, developing a love of Australian Rules Football through following the North Adelaide Football Club in the SANFL. Having relocated to Sydney, where he established himself as a leading businessman, he began following the Swans when the team made its move from South Melbourne.
Basil’s connection with the Sydney Swans runs deep. One of the original ‘True Believers’, he was part of the ownership group that helped save the club in the late 1980s. He served as a director from 1989 to 1993. He was inducted into Sydney’s Hall of Fame in 2023 and the club’s new home at the Royal Hall of Industries is named in his honour (along with former Chairman and fellow Swans Hall of Famer Richard Colless AM).
Basil has also made significant contributions towards Australian cricket while enhancing the lives of the underprivileged in numerous countries across the globe, with countless charities benefiting from his generosity. He is also the benefactor of the Basil Sellers Scholarship program, which supports promising boys and girls in the QBE Sydney Swans Academy.
Basil combined his two great passions, art and sport, as the benefactor of 11 sculptures of sporting greats around the SCG – including Swans greats Paul Kelly and Paul Roos – another eight sculptures at Adelaide Oval, and the Bob Skilton sculpture at Lakeside Oval in Melbourne. More recently, Sellers helped deliver the magnificent sculpture of Swans Legend Adam Goodes that stands proudly outside Sydney Swans HQ.
Basil was appointed a Member of the Order of Australia (AM) in 2003 for his significant contributions to sports, arts, and charitable organisations. Today’s appointment as an Officer of the Order of Australia is much deserved.
Sydney Swans chairman Andrew Pridham congratulated Basil Sellers on the honour.
“Basil is a much-loved and important figure in our club's history, and this honour is testament to how much he has contributed to not only the Sydney Swans but the wider community. Basil has positively influenced a large and diverse cohort of people and organisations both financially and with his time, wisdom and encouragement. Basil’s positive impact extends well beyond Australia” Pridham said.
“Over many years Basil has given so much to our football club, including his instrumental support of the QBE Sydney Swans Academy, our home, the SCG and assisting in growing the game of Australian Rules and fostering talent in NSW.
“On behalf of everyone at the Sydney Swans, I congratulate Basil for his profound impact on our community and his Order of Australia honour.”
Officer of the Order of Australia in the General Division
Mr Basil Alfred Sellers AO
For distinguished service to the community through philanthropy and leadership, and to sports administration
Charitable
Supporter, Association for non-traditional employment for women, India since 1998.
Supporter, The McGrath Foundation since 2008
Benefactor, Sir Roden and Lady Cutler Foundation, current
First XI Patron, The Steve Waugh Foundation, current
Patron, Len Evens Tutorial and Foundation, current
Patron, The Chappel Foundation, current
Patron, LBW Trust, current
Benefactor, Sydney Dogs and Cats Home, 2025
Sydney Swans
Patron, current
Benefactor, Sydney Swans Academy scholarship, current
Benefactor, Basil Sellers Richard Colless Centre, 2023
Director, 1989-1993
Sydney Cricket Ground Trust
Benefactor, 20+ years
Donor, sculptural installations, 2008
Life Member, Sydney Cricket Ground, 2023
Cricket NSW
Vice Patron, 2022
Founder, Basil Sellers Country NSW Scholarship Program, 2006
Founder, Basil Sellers Emerging Player Program, 2006
Director, 1984-1987
Life Member, 2009
Basil Sellers Art Prize, Ian Potter Museum of Art, Melbourne
Benefactor, 2007-2016
Founder, 2007
Basil Sellers Art Prize, Eurobodalla Shire Council
Benefactor, since 2005
Founder, 2005
Bradman Foundation
Benefactor, 1990’s-2000’s
Co-Founder, Bradman Museum, 1989
Awards and Recognition include:
Person of the Year, Well-Being Australia, 2025
Inductee, Sydney Swans Hall of Fame, 2023
Honorary Doctorate, Bond University, 2018
Member, Order of Australia (AM), 2003
