Sport
10 April, 2026
Sports awards recognise volunteers
THE 2026 South West Community Sports Awards celebrated the people, clubs and communities who underpin grassroots sport across the region.
The awards recognised and honoured the individuals and organisations driving community sport forward, highlight leadership, volunteer contribution, and the powerful role sport and recreation play in strengthening communities.
The evening provided a valuable opportunity to acknowledge the dedication of volunteers, administrators, coaches and community leaders who give their time to create environments where people can participate, connect and belong.
Tanya Waterson from the Koroit Football Netball Club was the proud recipient of the ‘Community Sport Leader – Women’s Leader of the Year’ award.
Warrnambool Moyne and District Cricket Association’s women’s T10 cricket showcase took out the ‘Women’s Participation Initiative of the Year’ category, while the Surf Sisters 101 program (Brophy and Port Fairy Surf School) was listed as a finalist.
In the ‘Club of the Year’ category, Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club was the proud winner, with Allansford-Panmure Cricket Club named as one of four finalists.
Warrnambool City Pickleball took home the ‘Community Sport and Recreation Event of the Year’ title while CrossFit Warrnambool (Clubhouse Classic), Panmure Bulldogs FNC (community T20 match) and Warrnambool Surf Life Saving Club (2025 senior championships) were all named finalists.
Hockey South West was announced one of two finalists in the ‘Youth Participation Initiative of the Year’ award alongside Hampden Football Netball League’s junior netball academy.
The ‘Inclusive Participation Initiative of the Year’ award was won by the Grangeburn Bowling Club.
Among the finalists for the category was the all-abilities football program at Koroit Football Netball Club, along with the inclusive programs at Warrnambool Roller Derby.
Merrivale Cricket Club’s McGrath Foundation Pink Stumps fundraiser was a finalist in the ‘Impact Initiative of the Year’ award.
South Warrnambool Football Netball Club’s Damien Thornton was named one of three finalists in the ‘Coach of the Year’ award, while Elijah Macchia from Warrnambool Rangers Football Club was a finalist in the ‘Emerging Leader of the Year’ category.
Warrnambool City Council’s ‘Community Sport Volunteer of the Year’ award was won by Peter Goodman from the Warrnambool Football Netball Club and Stoked Surf Therapy.
Port Fairy Soccer Club’s Janis Vingrys was presented with the Moyne Shire Council’s ‘Community Sport Volunteer of the Year’ award.
