2025 NSW Community Sport Awards winners announced

NSW Community Sports Award winners announced

The winners of the 2025 NSW Community Sports Awards, presented by Sport NSW, were announced at CommBank Stadium tonight.

The Awards recognise outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW over the past year which is largely conducted by a volunteer workforce.

The 12 category recipients received their Awards at the ceremony hosted by Sport NSW and supported by the NSW Government with the NSW Minister for Sport, the Hon. Steve Kamper MP and the Hon. Jodie Harrison MP, Minister responsible for volunteering in attendance.

Sport NSW Chairperson, Chris Hall, congratulated the Award winners and paid tribute to all finalists.

“The NSW Community Sports Awards are the highest honours for community and grassroots sport in the state,” said Mr Hall.

“Sport lays at the heart of communities across NSW. It is where life-long friendships are formed, team-work is developed, and successes are celebrated.

“It is fitting these Award recipients and finalists are recognised and honoured and we congratulate them for their extraordinary service to sport and to their communities,” added Mr Hall.

“Without these hard-working, selfless volunteers, tens of thousands of sports participants would not be able to enjoy the health, social and community benefits sport provides. 

“Unquestionably, these volunteers provide the backbone of sport for others to compete and enjoy. 

“Their leadership, enthusiasm and inspiration will help motivate the next generation of volunteers,” added Mr Hall.

The Awards evening also celebrated 19 recipients of Distinguished Long Service Awards.

These Awards honoured individuals across a broad range of sports who have given exceptional service to their sport over a period of decades.

2025 Community Sports Awards Winners

NSW Dept.Communities and Justice COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR

Collaroy Tennis Club

Variety COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR

Karley Banks - Touch Football

ACPE YOUNG COACH OF THE YEAR

Max Marsters - Touch Football

People + Culture Strategies COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR

Your Local Club Academy Games - hosted by Northern Inland Academy of Sport

Valour COMMUNITY OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Murray Smith - Swimming

RevolutioniseSPORT YOUNG OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Luke Schmude - Hockey

Sportscover COMMUNITY SPORT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Liam James - Rowing

AICD VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Melinda Stewart - Gymnastics

UNSW COMMUNITY TEAM OF THE YEAR

Terrigal U17 Female Ski Relay Team - Surf Life Saving

Multicultural NSW INCLUSION ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR

Chris Tucker – Rowing

Basketball NSW

WT Sports & Recognition INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

Club Standards and Benchmarking Framework - Football NSW

NSW Office of Sport LOCAL COUNCIL OF THE YEAR

Dubbo Regional Council

DISTINGUISHED LONG SERVICE HONOUREES

Kristine Agosto - Squash

Wendy Archer AM - Netball

Sue Badenoch Kinsey - Football

Alan Beveridge OAM - Surf Life Saving

Paul Cini - Touch

Sharon Cooper - Cricket

Kirsten Crocker - Athletics

Stephen Croot - Rowing

Les Friend - Equestrian

Brian Gibson - Bowls

John Goh - Rugby Union

Ian Hook - Baseball

John Hughes - Northern NSW Football

Mary (Pat) Lusty - Swimming

Walter (Wally) O'Hara OAM - Gymnastics

Leeanne Palmer - Basketball

Ian Parker - AFL

Lynn Parker - Paddle

Mark Stephenson - Ice Hockey

Further information: Greg Campbell, PRISM Strategic Communications, Ph: 0418 239 139