Sports Award winners 2026

Congratulations to all the finalists and winners of our Boroondara Sports Awards!

Hosted by three-time paralympic medallist Madeleine Hogan, our awards celebrated the people and clubs leading the way in innovation, collaboration and inclusion across community sport.

Madeleine was joined by guest speakers:

• Toby Crook, Boroondara Community Disability Advisory Committee - community representative
• Jennie Easson, Camberwell Lacrosse Club - former committee member for over 25 years and Boroondara Lifetime Achievement Award recipient
• Sam Mackinnon, Former Australian and NBL basketball player and current WNBL coach. 

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

Inclusive Club of The Year

• Camberwell Hockey Club (finalist)
• Victorian Goalball Association (winner)
• Riversdale Soccer Club (finalist).

The Victorian Goalball Association (VGA) has proudly supported underrepresented groups for nearly four decades. Their journey began in 1983 at Scotch College, creating opportunities for people with a disability to build confidence and belonging through sport. Today, VGA supports the health and wellbeing of people who are blind or have low vision by providing inclusive sporting opportunities through Goalball. Inclusion is embedded in every program, training session, and connection.

Innovative Club of the Year

• North Balwyn Bowls Club (winner)
• Hawthorn Amateur Football Club (finalist)
• Camberwell Dragons Basketball Club (finalist)

North Balwyn Bowls Club successfully introduced 2 major initiatives – Mahjong and Pickleball – expanding opportunities for recreation and connection across all age groups. Both new innovative activities have seen great participation and engaged with new sections of the community.

Collaborative Club of the Year

• Burwood Cricket Club and Burwood Tennis Club (winner)
• Burwood Uniting Canterbury Cricket Club (finalist)
• Camberwell Central Bowls Club (finalist)

The collaboration between Burwood Cricket Club and Burwood Tennis Club to deliver the Burwood Reserve Community Sports Day is a wonderful example of how local sporting clubs can work together to create meaningful community impact.

Supported through a City of Boroondara Annual Grant, the event transformed Burwood Reserve into a vibrant hub of activity, connection and inclusion, welcoming community members of all ages and backgrounds to experience sport in a fun, free and interactive environment.

Community Athlete of the Year

• Max Currie, Hawthorn Rowing Club (winner)
• Samuel Ek, Blacklords Fencing Club (finalist)
• Matisse Stafford, Snow Australia (finalist)

Max has represented Victoria on five occasions and is a national champion in the Men’s Under 23 single scull. Max will further represent Australia internationally in the Men’s Under 23 quad scull in Germany this year. Competing on the world stage reflects not only his technical ability and physical endurance, but also his discipline, resilience and sustained commitment to excellence.

Max’s combination of elite performance, national representation and leadership makes him an exceptional young sportsperson who continues to bring distinction to the Hawthorn Rowing Club, the Boroondara community and Australian rowing.

Young Club Person of the Year 

• Ella Kerrigan, Alamein Football Club (winner)
• Imogen McGillivray, Camberwell Hockey Club (finalist)
• Jemima Park, Kew Rovers Football Club (finalist)

Ella is an exceptional emerging leader and coach who is creating a positive, nurturing and inclusive environment for the U12 girls. At only 16 years of age, she promotes women’s football, mentors and nurtures the younger players in her care, and shapes the club to be better in the future.

Club Person of the Year 

• Leigh Sando, Ashburton United Junior Football Club (winner)
• Cam Ridland, Camberwell Hockey Club (finalist)
• Mitch Kennedy, North Balwyn Baseball Club (finalist)

Leigh has coached and assistant coached multiple teams over the years, always bringing positivity, encouragement, and genuine care for the development of young players. His presence helps shape the welcoming, family friendly culture the Ashburton United Junior Football Club are known for.

Beyond coaching, Leigh is the person who ensures equipment works, facilities are ready, and game days run smoothly. His consistency, initiative, and willingness to take on the unglamorous tasks make him one of the club’s most valuable contributors.

Lifetime Achievement Award

The Lifetime Achievement award nominees are true legends within our community. Selflessly giving their time and effort to provide opportunities for others to participate and to help their clubs thrive. We would like to acknowledge each of these individuals for their outstanding contributions for over 25 years with a Lifetime Achievement Award.

• Andrew Wall, Greythorn Tennis Club
• Anne Ericson, Koonung Heights Netball Club
• Gavin Collopy, Balwyn Saints Cricket Club
• John Kounelis, Riversdale Soccer Club
• Sue Bach, Canterbury Football Club
• Terry Barter, Camberwell Petanque Club
• Trish Ritman, Camberwell Petanque Club
• Victor Eke, City of Camberwell Tennis Club
• Charles Povey - East Camberwell Tennis Club (posthumously)

Gold accredited sports club

We recognised and congratulated Kew Croquet Club who 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 Kew Croquet Club.

Find out more about our sports club accreditation program.