Sports Award winners 2025

Congratulations to the 2025 Boroondara Sports Awards finalists and award winners. 

We celebrated this year’s awards in August at a presentation evening hosted by respected commentator and former Australian cricketer, Damien Fleming. 

Damien was joined by guest speakers: 

• Brooke Carter, President of the Victorian Goalball Association
• Jasmine Flemming, Australian Rules Football player for the Hawthorn Football Club in AFL Women’s (AFLW)
• Fiona Young, Manager of Places to Play at Tennis Victoria.

We were delighted to honour the volunteers, players and coaches who continue to go above and beyond for their clubs. 

The awards were a wonderful celebration of the people and clubs that are leading the way in embracing collaboration, trying new things and creating a safe and inclusive environment.

Winners

Inclusive Club of the Year 

• Burwood Cricket Club (winner)
• Camberwell Hockey Club (finalist)
• Balwyn Saints and Blasters Cricket Club (finalist)

Burwood Cricket Club is a welcoming, inclusive and family-friendly club where everyone is encouraged to participate.

Burwood Cricket Club’s Walking Cricket program has successfully engaged over-70s in a fun, low-impact version of the sport. Supported by the City of Boroondara and partners, Ashburton Pool and Recreation Centre and Cricket Victoria, the initiative welcomed over 20 participants, many reconnecting with physical activity and community life.

With a focus on inclusion, movement and social connection, the program fostered wellbeing and reduced social isolation. 

Innovative Club of the Year

• Camberwell Hockey Club (winner)
• North Balwyn Tennis Club (finalist)

Camberwell Hockey Club is proud to announce the launch of Australia’s first goalkeeper-specific training facility: the Goal Keeper Zone (GKZ).

This purpose-built space at Matlock Reserve features:

• specialised lighting and netting
• a professional ball machine for precision drills
• a shared training hub for goalkeepers across all age groups.

The GKZ has transformed goalkeeper development and fostered skills, confidence and community. It’s a national first that reflects the commitment to excellence and inclusion – on and off the field.

Collaborative Club of the Year

• Kew Rovers Football Club (winner)
• Camberwell Central Bowls Club (finalist)

Kew Rovers Football Club has made a meaningful impact in its local community through a successful partnership with Fight MND, raising over $8,000 for Motor Neurone Disease research. 

The initiative was supported by local businesses, schools and residents, who helped promote and distribute the merchandise. 

A launch event featuring raffles, guest speakers and educational activities further engaged the community. Through creative fundraising, strong partnerships and visible game-day support, Kew Rovers demonstrated how grassroots sports clubs can unite communities and champion important causes.

Community Athlete of the Year

• Ollie Will, Camberwell Hockey Club (winner)
• Guy Mercier, Camberwell Petanque Club (finalist)

Ollie Will began his hockey journey at age 5 with Camberwell Hockey Club and has emerged as one of Australia’s most promising young athletes. He captained the Victorian U21 Men's Team, contributed to Hockey Club Melbourne’s 2024 Hockey One League victory and remains an athlete with the Victorian Institute of Sport. Ollie also plays a leadership role at Camberwell Hockey Club and serves as Umpire Coordinator for the Men’s Section and Summer Masters Program. 

Young Club Person of the Year

• Brigitte Godfred-Spenning, Riversdale Soccer Club (winner)
• Lucy Gallagher, Camberwell Hockey Club (winner)
• Charlie Lamb, Hawthorn Boroondara Cricket Club (finalist)

Brigitte Godfred-Spenning plays in the Under 17/18 Girls team, coaches the Under 10 Girls and referees’ junior matches, all while balancing school and work. Her leadership, professionalism and passion for the game has made a lasting impact on the club, particularly in inspiring younger girls to participate and thrive in sport.

Lucy Gallagher helped establish the annual Mental Health Round in memory of her friend Yasmin Wilson and played a key role in the 2025 Women and Girls Round, raising funds for Breast Cancer Network Australia. Lucy also contributed to the Social and Fundraising Committee, coordinated major events and previously coached junior teams, always bringing care, enthusiasm and professionalism.

Club Person of the Year

• Emma Tottenham, Riversdale Soccer Club (winner)
• Pip Chambers, Camberwell Hockey Club (finalist)
• Drossos Haramantas, East Camberwell Tennis Club (finalist)

Emma Tottenham – As Girls' Coordinator, Emma has helped grow the girls’ program to over 140 players, while also supporting boys’ teams in need. Volunteering as ground marshal, assisting in the canteen and helping with fundraising events, Emma has led a complete overhaul of the junior uniform process, creating and managing an online portal that now supports over 300 players. Emma’s dedication, reliability and passion has strengthened the club community and made a lasting impact.

Lifetime Achievement Award

• Geraldine Mustey, St Cecilia’s Parish Tennis Club
• Greg West, Camberwell Central Bowls Club
• Michael Crooks, Koonung Heights Cricket Club
• Phil Avery, Hawthorn Amateur Football Club
• Rick Western, Old Scotch Football Club
• Roy Carey, Camberwell Hockey Club
• Russell McKimm, City of Camberwell Tennis Club
• Sue Davey, South Hawthorn Tennis Club

Gold accredited sports clubs

We recognised and congratulated 4 local sports clubs that have achieved gold accreditation for creating a welcoming and inclusive environment for their volunteers, players and spectators.

Gold accreditation is the highest level attainable and demonstrates an energetic investment in and commitment to nurturing a safe and inclusive club culture.

Congratulations to these 4 Gold-accredited sports clubs:

• Burwood Cricket Club
• Camberwell Hockey Club
• Deepdene Bears Cricket Club
• Kew Rovers Football Club.

Find out more about our sports club accreditation program.