2026 NSW Community Sport Awards Winners Announced

Sport NSW announces prestigious NSW Community Sports Award winners

Sport NSW last night announced the 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards winners across 12 categories.

Presented by Bankstown Sports Club, the Awards recognise the outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW over the past year which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce.

Sport NSW Chief Executive, Stuart Hodge, congratulated the Award recipients and thanked them and all finalists for their outstanding contribution to sport at a community and grassroots level.

“The army of sports volunteers, who are involved in sport every weekend, are the lifeblood that keeps community sport going, and we are delighted to pay special tribute to them for the hundreds of hours they have contributed over the past 12 months,” said Mr Hodge.

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

“We pay a special tribute to our category Award winners. Their unwavering commitment, endless energy and deep passion helpbring people from different cultures and backgrounds together in the pursuit of sporting fun played in a competitive spirit,” added Mr Hodge

The Awards evening also celebrated 26 recipients of Distinguished Long Service Awards. These Awards honoured individuals across a broad range of sports who have given exceptional service to their sport of over 25 years.

2026 Community Sports Awards Winners

NSW Dept.Communities and Justice COMMUNITY CLUB OF THE YEAR

Collaroy Tennis Club

Variety COMMUNITY COACH OF THE YEAR

Geoff Davenport - Squash

ACPE YOUNG COACH OF THE YEAR

Georgie Latanis - Little Athletics

People + Culture Strategies COMMUNITY EVENT OF THE YEAR

2026 Coffs Coast Festival of Rugby - Rugby Union

Valour COMMUNITY OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Charlie Cheesley - Touch Football

RevolutioniseSPORT YOUNG OFFICIAL OF THE YEAR

Chesney Baillie - Gymnastics

Sportscover COMMUNITY SPORT ADMINISTRATOR OF THE YEAR

Ange Elliot - Artistic Swimming

Bankstown Sports Club VOLUNTEER DIRECTOR OF THE YEAR

Mark Bretag - Paddle

360 Player COMMUNITY TEAM OF THE YEAR

NSW Phoenix U15 Girls Beach Volleyball Team - Volleyball

Multicultural NSW INCLUSION ACHIEVEMENT OF THE YEAR

A Splash of Colour Swimming - Swimming

WT Sports & Recognition INNOVATION OF THE YEAR

A Splash of Colour Swimming - Swimming

NSW Office of Sport LOCAL COUNCIL OF THE YEAR

City of Ryde

DISTINGUISHED LONG SERVICE HONOUREES

Angus Bruxner - Rugby Union
Barbara Junghans - Orienteering
Barry Richardson - AFL
Brian Cheers - Amateur Pistol
Con Gounis - Football
Geoff Hook - Swimming
Janet Nixon - Athletics
Jeff Cottrell - Paddle
Jenny Palmer - Bowls
Joan Hart - Hockey
Kerryn Blanch - Masters Swimming
Laurel Cunico - Netball
Lauretta Claus AM - Basketball
Lesley Pascoe - Tennis
Marie Cornish OAM - Cricket
Murray Slana - Motorsport
Peter Casey - Touch Football
Peter Worboys - Baseball
Raymond Watson AM - Surf Life Saving
Ron Junghans - Orienteering
Scott Campbell - Golf
Stephen Handley OAM - Rowing
Sue Stafa - Little Athletics
Tish Ennis - Sailing
Tony Barber - Gymnastics
Trevor Deeming - Football

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