27 Jan 2026
The finalists for the Wimmera Sports Star of the Year Awards have been officially announced, recognising an outstanding year of achievement, leadership and contribution across community sport in the Wimmera.
With finalists spanning athletes, volunteers, coaches, administrators, clubs, schools and community champions, this year’s awards once again showcase the depth, diversity and passion that underpins sport across the region.
Beyond on field performance, the awards place strong emphasis on the people and organisations who make sport possible. Categories such as Administrator or Official of the Year, Coach of the Year, Valued Volunteer, Unsung Hero and Spirit of Community celebrate the often unseen effort, leadership and care that sustain local clubs and competitions week after week. Club of the Year and School of the Year finalists reflect the vital role grassroots organisations and education settings play in creating inclusive, welcoming and high-quality sporting environments for participants of all ages.
The 2026 finalists are:
Sports Star of the Year
- Georgia Foster (Athletics)
- Iris Sudholz (Equestrian)
- Jac Ivess (Powerlifting)
- Josh Barry (Lawn Bowls)
- Kelly Miller (Triathlon)
- Lilly Weir (Crossfit)
-
Remi Bailey (Gymnastics)
Club of the Year
- Horsham Little Athletics
- Laharum Football Netball Club
- Minyip Murtoa Football Netball Club
- Stawell Women’s Day Basketball
Youth Sport Star of the Year – Female
- Drew Armstrong (Volleyball)
- Georgia Foster (Athletics)
- Hannah Mackereth (Hockey)
- Iris Sudholz (Equestrian)
Youth Sport Star of the Year – Male
- Chase Whelen (AFL)
- Jac Ivess (Powerlifting)
- Jett Hill (Athletics)
- Remi Bailey (Gymnastics)
Coach of the Year
- Brett Thompson and Steve Thomas (Pimpinio Football Netball Club)
- Dale Dridan (Laharum Football Netball Club)
- Ravi Araujo (Horsham CrossFit)
School of the Year
- Horsham College
- St Brigid’s College
- St Patrick’s School Nhill
- Warracknabeal Secondary College
Administrator or Official of the Year
- Ashlee Grace (Horsham Saints Football Netball Club)
- Casey Plazzer (Horsham Little Athletics)
- Gerard Bardell (Horsham Golf Club)
- Kelly Knoop (Taylors Lake Football Netball Club)
Team of the Year
- Grampians Giants
- Pimpinio Football Under 17s
Unsung Hero Award
- Brett Luy (Horsham Hockey Club)
- Erin Muller (Pimpinio Football Netball Club)
- Matt McLoughlin (Volleyball Horsham)
- Sarah-Jayne Holland (Warracknabeal Amateur Basketball Association)
Valued Volunteer Award
- Cameron & Lynley Clyne (Warrack Eagles Football Netball Club)
- Stacey Drage (Run the Beal & Wimmera Roller Derby)
Spirit of Community Award
- CKS Swifts Football Netball Club
- Harry’s Match (Volleyball Horsham)
- Kalkee Football Netball Club
- Robbie Miller (Laharum Football Netball Club)
Several special awards will also be presented on the night, recognising outstanding contribution and inclusion across Wimmera sport. These include Women in Sport, Grassroots Contribution by a Former Wimmera Athlete, All Abilities Local and National Athlete Sports Star of the Year, and Indigenous Sports Star of the Year, celebrating the people and stories that continue to shape a strong, inclusive sporting community.
The Wimmera Sports Star of the Year Awards continue to be one of the region’s most significant annual celebrations, recognising not only sporting success, but the people, values and community spirit that make sport such a powerful force across the Wimmera.
Winners across all categories will be announced at a gala awards night on 13 February 2026, with tickets available to be purchased online at www.greenvelope.com/event/wimmera-sports-star-awards