Wimmera Sports Star Awards
The Wimmera Sports Star Awards shine a spotlight on the incredible talent, dedication, and passion within our vibrant sporting community. These awards celebrate athletes, coaches, volunteers, and clubs who make a lasting impact on sports across the Wimmera region.
Do you know someone who goes above and beyond in their sport? The Wimmera Sports Star Awards are a chance to:
- Celebrate achievements: Recognise outstanding performances at local, state, and national levels.
- Support community heroes: Highlight those who work behind the scenes, from volunteers to coaches.
- Encourage future generations: Inspire young athletes by showcasing role models in the sporting community.
Who can submit a nomination?
You can! Nominations are open to everyone — whether you’re a player, friend, family member, or fan. If you know someone doing great things in sport, we want to hear about them! Our team will check each nomination to make sure it meets the guidelines before it goes to the WRSA Board who are the judges of the award.
Award Categories
Sports Star of the Year
For an athlete who has achieved high-level success either at state, national or international level. They will have demonstrated to the community their sportsmanship values on and off the field and is a role model for future generations.
Administrator / Official of the Year
The recipient of this award will have shown professionalism in their role, gained respect from their peers and shown commitment to the development of their Club or sport during the year.
All Abilities Local Athlete Sports Star
Celebrates an All Abilities athlete who motivates peers or team members with commitment, success, and community spirit. They should have enthusiasm for their sport and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
All Abilities National Athlete Sports Star
Celebrates an All Abilities athlete who has achieved success at higher level of competition in their chosen field. They should have enthusiasm for their sport and demonstrate good sportsmanship.
Club of the Year
Celebrates a welcoming, inclusive club that creates safe environments and generates strong community connections.
Coach of the Year
Awarded to a coach who leads by example and guides their players with exemplary communication and shows strong community leadership.
Grassroots Contribution by a Former Wimmera Athlete
This award has been instituted to recognise those athletes who started their sporting careers in the Wimmera but had to move away from home to pursue their dreams, either for school, university or professional reasons.
Indigenous Sports Star
Acknowledges a First Nations athlete who excels in their chosen sport and uplifts others as a role model.
Junior Athlete of the Year (U15)
Recognises a young sportsperson who has had success at higher level of competition and demonstrates their enthusiasm for their chosen sport and exhibits good sportsmanship in the community.
School of the Year
For a school that has built relationships with their students through programs that encourage the students involvement in sport, recreation and physical activity as a lifelong pursuit. The students will have felt engaged and challenged, all while in a safe well managed environment.
Sportsmanship Award/ Spirit of Community
This award celebrates individuals, teams, or clubs who embody respect, effort, and integrity—on the field through sportsmanship, or off the field through community spirit.
Team of the Year
For a team with teamwork and strong performance while competing at a high standard competition. This team will have displayed good sportsmanship on and off the field.
Unsung Hero of the Year
Recognises a behind-the-scenes club champion who quietly supports and contributes. This award recognises people who are known for their reliability and support, without the need for fanfare.
Valued Volunteer of the Year
This award recognises a long-serving volunteer who has made a significant and consistent contribution to their club or association. Whether behind the scenes or front and centre, their dedication helps keep local sport and recreation thriving.
Veteran of the Year (50+)
The winner of this award will be a club member over the age of 50 that has shown their commitment to sport over the years, with success at all levels of competition. With high sportsmanship values and a role model to their peers.
Women in Sport Award
For a woman 18+ who leads, encourages, and champions female participation in sport. The winner leads by example and displays respect for all involved in making sport great.
Success Stories
The 2024 awards showcased incredible achievements, including:
- Peter Smith (Water Skiing) – Sports Star of the Year for his World Championship success.
- Laharum A-Grade Netball Team – Team of the Year with a perfect 18-0 season.
- Volleyball Horsham – Club of the Year for growth, community impact, and junior development.
- Tim Decker (Cycling) – Grassroots Award for coaching Australia’s Olympic gold-winning team.
These stories demonstrate the diversity and strength of Wimmera’s sporting community.
When is the next award night?
The annual Horsham Sports and Community Club’s Sports Star of the Year Awards is held in February each year. The exact date will be communicated shortly. This gala presentation highlights the achievements of many of the Wimmera’s finest sports people who are all hoping to add their name to an illustrious list of previous Sports Star of the Year Award recipients.
Submit a nomination here
To submit your nomination for Sports Star of the Year awards, please complete the nomination form below.