Sport NSW announces Distinguished Long Service Honours

June 5, 2026

Sport NSW announces 26 Distinguished Long Service Honour recipients

Twenty-six community sport volunteers will be presented with the prestigious Distinguished Long Service Award, following their decades of unflagging and exceptional contribution to sport at a grassroots level, at the 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards presented by Bankstown Sports Club.

The Distinguished Long Service Award recognises individual officials, coaches, administrators, and event organisers who have demonstrated extraordinary unwavering dedication to fostering and advancing sport in their communities for over 25 years.

The Distinguished Long Service Award recipients will be celebrated at the Awards evening held at Bankstown Sports Club on Monday June 29.

Sport NSW Chief Executive, Stuart Hodge, said the recipients were worthy Award winners adding they each have made an extraordinary contribution to their sport and community.

“Sport in NSW relies on people such as these individuals who have generously devoted countless hours of their time, year in and year out, over many decades. Sport in NSW is forever in their debt,” said Mr Hodge.

“It is fitting these Distinguished Long Service Award recipients are recognised and honoured. They have given the opportunity to so many to play sport and allow them to enjoy the physical, mental, and social benefits sports participation provides.

“They have been dedicated champions for their sport and have provided a magnificent community legacy for others to aspire to and follow,” added Mr Hodge.

The 2026 NSW Community Sports Awards presented by Bankstown Sports Club, will also see the announcement of the 12 Community Sports Award category winners. View finalist announcement

These Awards recognised outstanding achievements and contributions to community sport in NSW which is largely carried out by a volunteer workforce. 

The categories are Community Official of the Year, Young Official of the Year, Community Coach of the Year, Young Coach of the Year, Community Sports Administrator of the Year, Volunteer Director of the Year, Community Club of the Year, Local Council of the Year, Community Event of the Year, Community Team of the Year, Innovation of the Year and Inclusion Achievement of the Year.

View Distinguished Long Service Honourees HERE

Purchase tickets HERE to the 2026 Community Sports Awards Event

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