Sport
27 January, 2026
Finalists announced for Wimmera sports awards
The finalists for the Wimmera Sports Star of the Year Awards have been announced, highlighting outstanding achievement, leadership, and contributions in community sport across the Wimmera.
This year’s awards highlight the depth, diversity, and passion in local sport, with finalists including athletes, volunteers, coaches, administrators, clubs, schools, and community champions.
The awards also recognise the people and organisations who make sport possible, not just those who perform on the field.
The 2026 Sports Star of the Year finalists are Georgia Foster (Athletics), Iris Sudholz (Equestrian), Jac Ivess (Powerlifting), Josh Barry (Lawn Bowls), Kelly Miller (Triathlon), Lilly Weir (Crossfit), and Remi Bailey (Gymnastics).
In the running for female Youth Sport Star of the Year are Drew Armstrong (Volleyball), Georgia Foster (Athletics), Hannah Mackereth (Hockey), and Iris Sudholz (Equestrian), while Chase Whelan (AFL), Jac Ivess (Powerlifting), Jett Hill (Athletics), and Remi Bailey (Gymnastics) are in the running in the male category.
The Club of the Year and School of the Year finalists show how important local clubs and schools are in creating welcoming and high-quality sporting environments for everyone.
Horsham Little Athletics, Laharum Football Netball Club, Minyip Murtoa Football Netball Club, and Stawell Women’s Day Basketball are in the running for the Club of the Year award.
Horsham College, St Brigid’s College, St Patrick’s School Nhill, and Warracknabeal Secondary College are in the running for School of the Year.
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.
Coach of the Year finalists are Brett Thompson and Steve Thomas (Pimpinio Football Netball Club), Dale Dridan (Laharum Football Netball Club), and Ravi Araujo (Horsham CrossFit).
Gerard Bardell (Horsham Golf Club) and Kelly Knoop (Taylors Lake Football Netball Club) are finalists for the Administrator or Official of the Year.
Cameron and Lyne Clyne (Warrack Eagles Football Netball Club) and Stacey Drage (Run the Beal and Wimmera Roller Derby) are finalists for the Valued Volunteer Award.
Not to be outdone, the Unsung Hero Award sees Brett Luy (Horsham Hockey Club), Erin Muller (Pimpinio Football Netball Club), Matt McLoughlin (Volleyball Horsham), and Sarah-Jayne Holland (Warracknabeal Amateur Basketball Association) all in the running.
The Spirit of Community Award sees CKS Swifts Football Netball Club, Harry’s Match (Volleyball Horsham), Kalkee Football Netball Club, and Robbie Miller of Laharum Football Netball Club shortlisted.
The Grampians Giants and Pimpinio Football Under 17s are finalists for Team of the Year.
Several special awards will also be presented, recognising outstanding contributions and inclusion in 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.
These awards celebrate the people and stories that help build 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 in all categories will be announced at a gala awards night on Friday, February 13.
Tickets can be purchased online at www.greenvelope.com/event/wimmera-sports-star-awards.