2025 Victorian Sport Award winners announced

The event is the night of nights for the Victorian sporting community, recognising and celebrating the achievements of our home-grown sporting heroes.

Jointly presented by the Victorian Government and Vicsport on Wednesday 13 May 2026, this year’s awards were held at the Melbourne Cricket Ground where winners across 19 categories were announced:

Victorian State Government Outstanding Contribution to Victorian Sport

• Sharelle McMahon

Leasexpress Coach of the Year

• Jessica Haintz (Gymnastics) - Led the Victorian Women’s Artistic Gymnastics team to national success, including the Cheales-Williamson Shield, while also representing Australia internationally as both a coach and judge.

Gallagher Community Coach of the Year

• Narelle Draper (Netball) - A driving force at Hazel Glen Netball Club, coaching five teams while fostering an inclusive, community-first environment and mentoring emerging coaches.

Sports Accounting Australia Official of the Year

• Maria Patrikis (Football) - An elite-level futsal referee and mentor, Maria made history as the first Australian female appointed to the FIFA Futsal Referee List for 2026.

etrainu Community Official of the Year

• Lynette Cousins (Calisthenics) - A leader in officiating development, Lynette has driven education, mentoring and inclusive adjudication programs across all levels of calisthenics.

AFL SportsReady Young Team of the Year

• Henri and Miles Levenspiel (Sailing) - The 16-year-old duo dominated the 29er sailing class nationally and internationally, earning Youth Squad selection and representing Australia at World Championships.

SEN Team of the Year

• North Melbourne AFLW (Australian Rules) - Produced a historic undefeated premiership season, extending their winning streak to a record 27 games while dominating league-wide performance metrics.

My Sport Live Community Sporting Event of the Year

• 2025 Vic Country Long Course Championships (Swimming) - Delivered a major regional event with 800 swimmers and strong economic impact, while prioritising safety, inclusion and accessibility.

Love the Game Community Sporting Club of the Year

• Footscray Rugby Union Club (Rugby Union) - Built on a strong “family-first” culture, the club has driven rapid growth, community engagement and on-field success across all grades.

revolutioniseSPORT Victorian Sports Administrator of the Year - Eunice Gill Award

• Benjamin Seccull (Hockey Victoria) - Played a key role in delivering major events, growing participation and enhancing fan engagement across Hockey Victoria’s competitions.

Bunnings Trade Local Government Initiative of the Year

• Shepparton BMX Multi-Use Events Facility (Greater Shepparton City Council) - A major redevelopment project funded by our Regional Sports Infrastructure Program that’s boosting participation, safety and regional economic impact - positioning the venue to host national championships.

Vicsport Volunteer of the Year

• Reg Poxon (Swimming) - As club president of Moe Amateur Swimming Club, Reg has driven strategic growth, secured funding and strengthened community engagement to create a thriving, inclusive club environment.

VicHealth Sport and Active Recreation Initiative of the Year

• Mornington LSC Schools Program (Life Saving) - Engaged thousands of students through inclusive, accessible water safety and lifesaving programs tailored to diverse community needs.

Involve Masters Athlete of the Year

• Lisa Griffiths (Judo) - Returned to the sport after 34 years to win international medals, including gold at the World Masters Games.

Young Athlete of the Year

• Jack Howell (Paratriathlon) - Achieved world number one ranking after multiple World Series wins and podium finishes, establishing himself as a global leader in PTS5.

Outstanding Media Coverage of Sport Award

• Marnie Vinall (Australian Rules) - Her investigative reporting on inequity in women’s sport sparked statewide conversation and political attention, driving broader awareness and change.

Polytan Peter Norman Inclusion Award

• Frankston Softball Association (Softball) – Created meaningful volunteer canteen opportunities for people with disability, empowering them to work confidently and supporting them through risk assessments, mock practice sessions and the introduction of an accessible touch-based register system.

Frank Wilkes Award

• Dyson Daniels (Basketball) - Made NBA history with elite defensive performances, becoming the youngest player to record 200+ steals and earning Most Improved Player honours.

Kitty McEwan Award

• Tara Neyland (Cycling) - Delivered a dominant debut as a para-athlete, winning multiple world cycling titles and setting both Australian and world records.

To find out more about the winners visit the 2025 Victorian Sport Awards