The Wimmera Sports Star of the Year Awards are one of the region’s most significant celebrations of sport, recognising not just results on the scoreboard, but the people, values and community spirit that make sport such a powerful force across the Wimmera.
Each award category highlights a different way sport brings people together through leadership, inclusion, dedication and connection.
Join us now in celebrating the finalists for the 2025 awards.
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
- Minyip Murtoa Football Netball Club – Minyip Murtoa Football Netball Club has shown exceptional leadership by growing junior pathways, championing female football, and investing in facilities to secure its long-term future. Named both Victorian and National AFL Community Club of the Year, the club is a standout example of innovation, inclusion, and community impact.
- Laharum Football Netball Club – Laharum Football Netball Club is a values-driven community hub, recognised for its leadership in inclusion, gender equity, mental wellbeing, and safe sporting environments. Through strong participation, on-field success, and deep community engagement, the club continues to unite and support its community well beyond game day.
- Stawell Women’s Day Basketball – For 50 years, Stawell Women’s Day Basketball Club has provided a safe, welcoming, and inclusive space for women of all ages and abilities to enjoy sport and connection. Built on care, flexibility, and strong community ties, the club continues to support members as both athletes and people.
- Horsham Little Athletics Club – Horsham Little Athletics Club enjoyed its most successful season on record, with more than 150 participants and outstanding performances at regional, state, and national level. Drawing families from across the Wimmera, the club combines high performance with inclusivity, community connection, and a welcoming environment for athletes of all abilities.
Youth Sport Star of the Year – Female
Drew Armstrong (Volleyball)- Iris Sudholz (Equestrian)
- Hannah Mackereth (Hockey)
- Georgia Foster (Athletics)
Youth Sport Star of the Year – Male
- Chase Whelan (AFL)
- Jac Ivess (Powerlifting)
- Jett Hill (Athletics)
- Remi Bailey (Gymnastics)
Coach of the Year
- Dale Dridan (Laharum Football Netball Club) Dale Dridan has provided exceptional leadership as Under 14 football coach, building strong, competitive teams while creating a positive and inclusive environment for junior players. Through his emphasis on respect, confidence, and belonging, Dale has played a pivotal role in sustaining junior football and strengthening community sport in a rural setting.
- Ravi Araujo (Horsham CrossFit) Ravi Araujo is a coach who leads with passion, empathy, and expertise, helping people of all abilities improve their health, confidence, and performance through CrossFit. His commitment to athlete development, coach education, and community wellbeing has made a lasting impact on individuals and the broader Horsham sporting community.
- Brett Thompson and Steve Thomas (Pimpinio Football Netball Club) As co-coaches of the Under 17 football team, Brett Thompson and Steve Thomas showed outstanding leadership by guiding their players through change, development, and challenge in 2025. Their focus on unity, growth, and resilience culminated in a remarkable fourth consecutive premiership and the development of confident, well-rounded young athletes.
School of the Year
- St Brigid’s College – St Brigid’s College fosters a strong culture of participation by encouraging students to engage in a wide range of sports through inclusive, well-managed, and challenging programs. Through competitive pathways, peer leadership, and community involvement, students build confidence, connection, and a lifelong love of physical activity.
- Warracknabeal Secondary College – Warracknabeal Secondary College delivers an inclusive and student-led sporting program that removes barriers and encourages participation for all abilities. Through leadership initiatives, free transport, and whole-school engagement, students feel supported, challenged, and inspired to remain active for life
- Horsham College – Horsham College has built a vibrant and inclusive sporting culture, with more than 1,000 student participation occurrences across a broad range of sports in 2025. Supported by strong leadership and clear pathways to regional and state competition, students are encouraged to participate, lead, and thrive in a safe and supportive environment.
- St Patrick’s School Nhill – Despite its small size, St Patrick’s School Nhill provides outstanding sporting opportunities, with students excelling across swimming, athletics, hockey, and cross country at regional and state level. The school’s supportive and inclusive approach ensures every student is encouraged to participate, grow, and enjoy physical activity in a safe environment.
Administrator or Official of the Year
- Ashlee Grace (Horsham Saints Football Netball Club) – Ash Grace has been instrumental at the Horsham Saints Football Netball Club, taking on key roles as Assistant Netball Director and Executive Committee member. Known for her tireless dedication, she ensures programs run smoothly and is a respected role model across the club.
- Kelly Knoop (Taylors Lake Football Netball Club) – Kelly Knoop has been a driving force behind netball at Taylor’s Lake, serving as Netball Director for three years and leading a significant increase in participation numbers. Her commitment to junior development, fairness, and team culture was recognised this season with the John Kelly Memorial Award
- Gerard Bardell (Horsham Golf Club) – Gerard Bardell has provided outstanding leadership at Horsham Golf Club, driving strong governance, increased participation, and long-term sustainability. His inclusive, forward-thinking approach has enhanced facilities, expanded access, and positioned the club for continued growth.
- Casey Plazzer (Horsham Little Athletics) – Casey Plazzer has dedicated over a decade to Horsham Little Athletics Club, serving as Treasurer for 10 years and recently receiving Life Membership. Through countless volunteer hours, she has strengthened the club’s finances, administration, and operations, ensuring athletics continues to thrive across the Wimmera.
Team of the Year
- Pimpinio Football Under 17s – The Pimpinio Under 17 Football Team showed outstanding resilience and unity in 2025, overcoming new challenges and integrating younger players to once again perform at the highest level. Their teamwork and belief culminated in an extraordinary fourth consecutive premiership, reflecting a culture of respect, sportsmanship, and pride in their club.
- Grampians Giants – After nine seasons without a win, the Grampians Giants All Abilities Football Club demonstrated remarkable perseverance, inclusivity, and team spirit to achieve success on the scoreboard and reach a Grand Final in 2025. Through unwavering commitment to fairness, belonging, and support for all abilities, the Giants embody the true meaning of teamwork and sportsmanship in community sport.
Unsung Hero Award
- Erin Muller (Pimpinio Football Netball Club) – Erin Muller has given nearly two decades of selfless service to her club, filling countless behind-the-scenes roles across football and netball while consistently stepping up wherever help is needed. Balancing volunteering, work, and family life, her quiet leadership and reliability make her a true cornerstone of the club and community.
- Brett Luy (Horsham Hockey Club) – Brett Luy is a dependable and generous contributor to hockey, supporting junior development as a coach, team manager, committee member, and parent helper at representative level. Known for his calm leadership and willingness to help wherever required, Brett embodies the spirit of teamwork that keeps community sport thriving.
- Matt McLoughlin (Volleyball Horsham) – As Vice President, Matt McLoughlin contributes tirelessly both on and off the court, never seeking recognition but making a lasting impact on the sport. Through his role as a PE teacher, Matt has quietly driven exceptional growth in junior volleyball, with more than 50 students now playing domestically and the successful launch of the Big Smash ’25 junior event.
- Sarah-Jayne Holland (Warracknabeal Amateur Basketball Association) – Sarah-Jayne Holland works tirelessly behind the scenes, managing memberships, teams, draws, officials, and compliance to keep Warracknabeal Amateur Basketball Association running smoothly. She is also a constant presence at ANZAC Park, ensuring facilities, volunteers, and players are supported from start to finish for her beloved Warrack Eagles.
Valued Volunteer Award
- Stacey Drage (Run the Beal & Wimmera Roller Derby) – Stacey Drage is a driving force behind multiple community sport initiatives, coordinating volunteers for Run The Beal and leading the Wimmera Roller Derby League as President. Through her leadership, the league has attracted participants from across regional Victoria, creating a unique, inclusive opportunity for skaters in the Wimmera recognised by Skate Victoria.
- Cameron & Lynley Clyne (Warrack Eagles Football Netball Club) – Cameron and Lynley Clyne have given more than a decade of dedicated service as sports trainers, coordinating support and caring for players week in, week out. Their tireless commitment was recognised with the club’s Brian Koschitzke Memorial Award, reflecting the enormous impact they have behind the scenes at the Warrack Eagles.
Spirit of Community Award
- CKS Swifts Football Netball Club – CKS Swifts Football Netball Club plays a vital role in connecting the Stawell community through inclusive events, volunteer-led initiatives, and strong support for local causes. From major regional fundraisers to youth programs and mental health advocacy, the club consistently demonstrates respect, generosity, and community spirit.
- Kalkee Football Netball Club – Kalkee Football Netball Club has shown outstanding community leadership by hosting its own MND fundraising event over the past two seasons. Through the generosity of volunteers and supporters, the club has raised approximately $20,000 to support vital research and awareness.
- Robbie Miller (Laharum Football Netball Club) – Robbie Miller demonstrated extraordinary courage and compassion through a 24-hour endurance run, covering 167 kilometres to support families grieving the loss of a child. His selfless effort raised $56,000 to fund Cuddle Cots and family support services, uniting the community through humility, resilience, and care.
- Harry’s Match (Volleyball Horsham) – Now in its seventh year, Harry’s Match brings together past and present players to honour a mate while raising funds and awareness for men’s mental health through Beyond Blue. Played to a full house each year, the match powerfully demonstrates how sport can foster connection, remembrance, and shared purpose.
In addition to this impressive list, 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.