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2024 Victorian Sport Award Winners

Congratulations to the below individuals, organisations, clubs and Local Government Authorities, winners of the 2024 Victorian Sport Awards!

 

The Victorian Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award is presented to an individual or organisation in recognition of outstanding achievement in, or contribution to, sport in Victoria. Based on their significant role in te Victorian sport and active recreation sector, the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award will be recommended by a panel of expert industry representatives to the Vicsport Board who will determine the final recipient. It is the only award presented at the Victorian Sport Awards which is not decided upon by the judging panel.

Dr Peter Brukner OAM

A medical doctor and specialist sports and exercise medicine physician, Peter has treated thousands of elite and community level athletes through involvement with five Australian national teams (swimming, hockey, athletics, football and cricket), 50 years of service to the Melbourne University Football Club (MUFC) along with significant contributions to the Toorak East Malvern Hockey Club, Powerhouse St. Kilda Hockey Club and athletics at a state and national level.

Playing a key role in the development of sports medicine as a medical specialty in Australia, Peter founded the two largest clinics of their kind in this country with the Olympic Park Sports Medicine Centre in 1987 and Imaging @ Olympic Park in 2010 which focuses on musculoskeletal radiology.

His involvement at a national team level began in 1991 with Athletics Australia when he attended the World Track & Field Championships as Australian Team Doctor. He did the same in 1995 while also serving at the 1992 World Cup and 1996 Olympics in Atlanta. Peter then transitioned to Australian Athletics Team Manager for the 1998 Commonwealth Games, 1999 World Track & Field Championships and 2000 Olympics in Sydney.

His contributions to athletics continued as a national selector from 2006-08 and on the High Performance Committee where he currently resides. Alongside athletics, Peter was Australian Team Doctor at the World University Games in 1983, 1985 and 1987.

He was Team Doctor for the Australian Swim Team (Dolphins) between 1986-87 which included the World Swimming Championships, Australian men’s hockey team (Kookaburras) from 1994-95, Australian men’s football team (Socceroos) from 2007-10 including the 2010 FIFA World Cup and the Australian men’s cricket team between 2012-17 that included victory at the 2015 ICC World Cup.

A passion that has developed in the past few years following personal health issues, Peter has become an advocate for improved nutrition and founded SugarByHalf, a not-for-profit aiming to reduce sugar-related diseases and improve education around living healthier lives.

He published ‘A Fat Lot of Good’ in 2019 and ‘The Diabetes Plan’ in 2023, two of 16 books he has authored in addition to 117 research papers and what many consider the ‘bible’ of sports medicine, ‘Brukner & Khan’s Clinical Sports Medicine’. On the academic side, Peter was Associate Professor in Sports Medicine at University of Melbourne from 2001-06 and a Lecturer in Sports Law for 17 years. The Foundation Chair of the La Trobe University Sport & Exercise Medicine Research Centre, Peter now currently holds the role of Professor of Sports Medicine at La Trobe.

https://leasexpress.com.au/

This award recognises Victorian coaches who have achieved outstanding coaching performance/s with Victorian athlete/s or teams during the 2024 year.

Jimmy Soufis - Futsal

Identifying a significant gap in the female player pathway, Jimmy conceptualised and spearheaded the creation of a Women’s Development League in 2024. He proactively supported its implementation and created development opportunities for players and coaches to progress their own skills and careers, an instrumental aspect in shaping the next generation. Jimmy also found success on the field in 2024 with his men’s team finishing the Series Futsal League 2024.1 and 2024.2 seasons undefeated while his men’s and women’s teams claimed victory in the F-League tournament. Two of his male players were selected for national representation with the Futsalroos and a female player was chosen for the inaugural Australian Women’s Futsal National Team.

https://www.ajg.com.au/

This award is open to Victorian community coaches who have made a significant contribution to their club and/or association/district during the 2024 calendar year, with a particular focus on improving community sport through encouraging participation, fairness, integrity and making sport more welcoming and inclusive.

Madelaine Breakspear - Football

Nurturing the varied skill levels of the Sale United Football Club women’s team, Madelaine recruited fresh players from a diverse age range (14-54) that included new mothers juggling kids or breastfeeding and with that diversity, instilled a sense of inclusiveness and camaraderie throughout the team. In 2024 the club went back-to-back, winning the League Championship and Cup titles. Madelaine also coaches the Latrobe Valley Soccer League U18 girls who have made the last three Victorian Country Championship finals. Passionate about the womens game, she collaborates often with other coaches for advice, session planning and drill ideas while during Female Football Week, she instigated combined training sessions for junior girls and women.

 

https://www.ajg.com.au/

This award is open to Victorian community coaches who have made a significant contribution to their club and/or association/district during the 2023 calendar year, with a particular focus on improving community sport through encouraging participation, fairness, integrity and making sport more welcoming and inclusive.

Tina Keown - Tennis

Managing director of the Victorian Tennis Academy (VTA), Tina Keown coaches and oversees operations across four tennis clubs and centres that provide programs for all ages, standards, abilities and backgrounds. Following a collaboration between the Victoria College for the Deaf and VTA, Tina and her team learnt Auslan so coaching sessions could be offered without an interpreter and she helped set up Nexus Young Veterans for returned servicepeople to focus on their health and re-enter their local community. A ‘Sponsor a Child’ program provided a free term of lessons for lucky participants and Tina is also a Tennis Australia Women and Girls program ambassador, implementing recruitment drives and fostering connections with stakeholders.

https://www.sportsaccounting.com.au/

This award recognises Victorian officials who have demonstrated excellence in their role as an official of their chosen sport during the 2024 year.

 

Cynthia Tam - Badminton

The first point of contact for aspiring Victorian Technical Officials, Cynthia facilitates training courses and contributes to the Technical Official Induction Manual while mentoring and actively engaging with new officials from state level through to international. She rostered officials for approximately 25 local tournaments in 2024, officiated herself throughout Victoria, Indonesia and Japan and undertook a governance and operational review of the Badminton Victoria Technical Officials Committee. Cynthia also became the first Australian since 2014 to achieve Badminton World Federation (BWF) Umpire status, the highest level of accreditation for badminton umpires, and is also the youngest female to be qualified as a BWF Umpire.

 

https://etrainu.com/

This award recognises Victorian sporting officials (umpires/referees/judges) who have made a significant contribution to their club, and/or association/district in 2024 with a particular focus on improving community sport through fairness, integrity and making sport more welcoming and inclusive.

Peter Boulter - Cricket

Peter’s presence and experience across multiple competitions, such as Sale-Maffra Women’s T20’s, Men’s 1st XI, Dowling Shield at Premier level and the Over 65s National Cricket Championships not only reflects his own pursuit of excellence but his dedication to ensure community cricket is inclusive and enjoyable for all. Currently completing a Cricket Australia Representative Umpire Accreditation, Peter regularly attends club training sessions to ensure he remains up-to-date with the latest rules and best practices. Known for his approachable nature and respectful conduct, Peter plays a vital role within the umpire panel where he shares extensive knowledge to support the development of his peers.

https://aflsportsready.com.au/

This award recognises a Victorian junior team who has achieved outstanding results with respect to their performances at a national, international level during the 2024 year.

Joshua Garner and Jack Benyan - Sailing

Joshua and Jack dominated the International Cadet Class in 2024, winning the Victorian and Australian Championships before heading to Plymouth in the United Kingdom where they became World Champions. Solidifying their presence as stars to watch out for in the future, they claimed all three victories with a race to spare. Having missed out on making the Australian team by one point in 2023, Joshua’s drive was stronger than ever and his historic success alongside Jack in addition to the teamwork and sportsmanship displayed on the international stage is already proving to be an inspiration to fellow Victorian sailors.

https://aedauthority.com/

This award recognises a Victorian team who has achieved outstanding results in respect to their performances at a state, national and/or international level during the 2024 year.

Victorian ISSF State Team - Target Pistol Shooting

The Target Pistol Australia National Championships were contested in Brisbane in 2024, comprising 15 individual and team events with 420 entrants representing every state and territory. Victoria’s team of 14 men and women aged 18-58 and a Para-sports athlete collected three team match and three individual titles as well as all Individual Aggregate national titles (women, men and juniors). However, it was their consistent shooting across all matches, by the entire team, that saw Victoria win the overall Team Aggregate Championship and take home the Manton Shield.

https://www.mysportlive.tv/

This award recognises an outstanding community sporting event that has been delivered successfully and benefitted the local community in 2024.

 

Statewide Senior Football & Netball Carnival - VACSAL

The VACSAL Statewide Senior Football & Netball Carnival is a premier Aboriginal sporting event that attracts 1,000+ athletes and thousands more supporters for a weekend of high-level competition, cultural connection and community celebration. More than just sport, the carnival fosters inclusivity, leadership and reconciliation in a culturally safe environment. It also provides pathways for athlete development by inspiring ongoing involvement in local football and netball leagues. VACSAL’s seamless event coordination includes the management of multiple events, regional travel arrangements, structuring the competition schedule and collaborating with other Aboriginal organisations, sporting bodies and local councils to assist with smooth operations.

https://lovethegame.vic.gov.au/

This award recognises the outstanding contribution made in 2024 by a community sporting club and/or association who has demonstrated a strong commitment to supporting participation in sport and active recreation. The club will have demonstrated actions that break down barriers so that anyone, regardless of their age, cultural background, ability, gender identity, religious belief or sexual orientation, feels welcome in sport.

Sorrento Cricket Club - Cricket

In 2024, Sorrento Cricket Club (SCC) launched its first women’s and U18 girls teams through the Wicket Women Project, featuring a women’s health physiotherapist, female-specific uniforms & equipment, and a "Come and Try" evening to encourage participation. The EmpowerHer: Multi-Sport Carnival inspired 80 girls aged 9-17 to build confidence and a love for sport. Senior club participation grew by 50% from three to six teams, with 116 players overall, while the junior club saw a 70% increase with over 100 players. SCC also introduced the Sharks Kids Explainer Video, offering an accessible alternative to in-person presentations on safeguarding and injury prevention for junior players, parents, and members with disabilities.

https://www.revolutionise.com.au/

This award recognises Victorian sports administrators who have demonstrated an outstanding level of achievement during the 2024 calendar year at the SSA, RSA, LGA or NSO (Victorian based) level. The recipient’s contribution has provided benefit to, or had a positive impact upon, an individual sport or the industry as a whole, and their standards of excellence has distinguished them from peers.

Meaghan Densley - Sailing

General Manager Victoria at Sailing Australia, Meaghan secured a $160,000 grant to increase the number of qualified officials, coaches and instructors within her sport. Across 2024, this led to a 3% increase in club membership, an 11% surge in Learn to Sail participants, a 10% bump in grassroots programs that now feature 1,500+ participants and a 30% increase in female and junior participation through Discover Sailing which is aimed at regional and lower socio-economic areas. Meaghan successfully led the Victorian Sailing Summit that looked at participation growth and inclusivity topics and oversaw 100% of Victorian clubs receiving support and visits in 2024 to reach a three-year high in club satisfaction.

https://trade.bunnings.com.au/

This award recognises a Local Government Authority who has made a significant contribution to sport in 2024 through the development of a participation program or facility.

Water Safety with Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place - City of Kingston

Following conversations with City of Kingston’s inclusive community team and local Elders, a gap in water skills and water participation for First Nations children was identified. Waves Leisure Centre and the Derrimut Weelam Gathering Place came together to increase the accessibility and swimming skills of First Nations children, focusing on increasing swimming confidence, fundamental skills such as floating, water safety and rescue techniques as well as drowning prevention outcomes. Utilising feedback from the pilot program which highlighted cost of living pressures and lack of equipment, the second program provided swim bags, bathers, goggles and passes to access the pool after the event to help continue participants’ water education.

This award recognises the exceptional contribution made by a volunteer to the Victorian sport and active recreation community during the 2024 calendar year. The recipient's contribution will have provided benefit to, or had a positive impact upon, an individual sport or the industry and their contribution and commitment will have distinguished them from their peers.

David Kearsley - Little Athletics

Performing 12 distinct roles at Knox Little Athletics Centre in 2024 including President, Competition Director, Centre Referee, Little Athletics Victoria (LA Vic) photographer and website manager, Dave’s incredible dedication ensured training, competitions, facility maintenance and event coordination all went smoothly. Towards the end of the summer season, Dave assisted LA Vic to move the 23/24 State Track & Field Championships to Knox with only a fortnight’s notice. Coinciding with the coordination alongside Council of a $5m upgrade to the Knox athletics track, this was a daunting undertaking for an event involving 2000+ athletes but ultimately proved a huge success.

https://www.vichealth.vic.gov.au/

This award recognises the work of individuals, clubs, teams, groups or organisations (including SSAs) who have succeeded in enabling more people to participate in active recreation during the 2024 calendar year. This could be through a single initiative, event or longer-term initiative (i.e. program, project or campaign) which has provided significant benefit to Victorian sport during 2024.

CaliStars - Calisthenics Victoria

A competition that allowed performers with a disability to participate in a calisthenics competition for the first time, CaliStars was offered to 50 young people in 2024. All participants received an official certificate but places were awarded by adjudicators who had previously attended a seminar on the inclusive initiative as competitors expressed that they wanted a competition, not just a display. Individual needs were provided on entry forms regarding stage conditions including lights, sounds and assistance required. The success of the program has seen it extended from two weekends to four in 2025 with more entrants and opportunities available throughout the season.

https://involvegroup.com.au/

This award recognise Victorian Masters athletes or teams who have achieved outstanding results in respect to their performances at a national and/or international level during the 2024 year.

Nadene Gole - Golf

Nadene cemented her legacy in 2024 as one of Australia’s most decorated senior golfers, winning seven of nine world-ranking events. The 56-year-old’s dominant year included becoming the first Australian in history to capture the sport’s two biggest senior amateur titles at The British and The U.S. Senior Amateur Championships while her US victory also earned her a place in the USGA’s Hall of Champions. Other senior victories included New Zealand’s national title and the State Championships of Victoria, South Australia and Tasmania. Nadene solidified her record-breaking season as the world number one ranked senior amateur golfer for every week of 2024.

https://www.rebelsport.com.au/

This award recognises Victorian junior athletes who have achieved outstanding results in respect to performance/s at a national and/or international level during the 2024 year.

Joshua Jolly - BMX

Hailing from Ballarat Sebastopol Cycling Club, Josh was crowned the winner at the 2024 UCI Men’s Junior Elite BMX Racing World Championships in South Carolina. A spectacular diving move into the first corner saw him slingshot into the lead and he went on to win by over a second. Josh also claimed victories at the Elite Men’s Superclass Championships and BMX Grand Nationals for the 17-20 Open Men. A part of the Sport Australia Hall of Fame Scholarship and Mentoring Program, Josh is also an ambassador for the Australian BMX Hall of Fame and has completed a community instructor program to assist club-based training sessions.

https://cdsvic.org.au/

This award recognises the coverage of elite and community sport to the wider public via various online, digital, broadcast and/or print media platforms in 2024. Through positive and inspiring media coverage, the sport has benefited from an improved public-facing image, increased participation, inclusivity and/or greater exposure.

Ocean Racing Club of Victoria - Sailing
Focusing on education and community connection in 2024, Ocean Racing Club of Victoria (ORCV) grew their social media presence with a 23% increase in Facebook followers, a 14% bump on Instagram and their monthly newsletters achieved an impressive 54% open rate which all helped lead to a 35% growth in membership. Utilising media coverage across TV, radio and print enhanced the ORCV’s public image with the promotion of programs such as Keelboat Introduction to Sailing Savvy (KISS) which is designed by women for women, the Rip Tour that emphasises community education and the Novice Skipper & Navigator program.

https://polytan.com.au/

The Peter Norman Inclusion Award recognises an individual or organisation that has made a significant contribution to safe, fair and inclusive sport in the 2024 calendar year. The recipient would have demonstrated actions that break down barriers for people accessing sport so that anyone, regardless of their age, cultural background, ability, gender identity, religious belief or sexual orientation feels welcome in sport.

Pride Hub - Proud 2 Play

The world’s first pride activation at a Grand Prix event, the Pride Hub was delivered by Proud 2 Play and Racing Pride and spearheaded by Kade Matthews. Creating a visible, inclusive space for LGBTIQA+ fans, athletes and allies, the Hub featured main stage talks with queer Australian and international motorsport professionals, pit walk access for queer STEM students and education for public-facing staff and security. The activation led to the formation of a queer-led racing team to be unveiled in 2025, prompted an eight-month exhibit at the UK’s National Motorsport Museum on queer history in motorsport and has inspired discussions for future pride activations at other Grand Prix events worldwide.

This award recognises a Victorian individual athlete who has achieved outstanding results in respect to performance/s at a national/international level in the male category during the 2024 year.

Kelland O'Brien - Cycling
With the shadow of a troubled Tokyo campaign lingering and coming into the Games as outsiders, Kelland and the Australian Team Pursuit quartet triumphed with a win over one of the world’s strongest track nations in Great Britain to win gold at the Paris Olympics. This came off the back of a world record time in the quarter-finals and was Australia’s first track gold since 2012. It proved to be a true redemption story after equipment malfunctions plagued the team at the Tokyo Olympics and 2022 Commonwealth Games.

This award recognises a Victorian individual athlete who has achieved outstanding results in respect to performance/s at a national/international level in the female category during the 2024 year.

Grace Brown - Cycling

Marking the perfect end to her racing career, Grace had her most successful year on the bike in 2024 which included a gold medal at the Paris Olympics in the Women’s Road Individual Time Trial (ITT). This was Australian cycling’s first Olympic medal in a women’s individual time trial and the nation’s first gold medal on the road since Athens 2004. She added to her accolades with two victories at the UCI World Road Cycling Championships in the Women’s ITT and Team Time Trial, gold at the Chrono des Nations and another gold at the Liege-Bastogne-Liege in Belgium, becoming the first Australian woman to win one of the prestigious races known as the 'Monuments'.

The Victorian Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award is presented to an individual or organisation in recognition of outstanding achievement in, or contribution to, sport in Victoria. Based on their significant role in the Victorian sport and active recreation sector, the winner of the Outstanding Contribution to Sport Award will be recommended by a panel of expert industry representatives to the Vicsport Board who will determine the final recipient. It is the only award presented at the Victorian Sport Awards which is not decided upon by the judging panel.

Mel Jones OAM

Starting her career as an opening bowler for Victoria and the Under-21 national team, Mel developed into a middle-order batter and was the 134th woman to play tests for Australia, representing her country between 1997-2005.

She burst onto the scene with an Ashes score of 131 on debut which was a world record score at the time. Also making a name for herself with exceptional fielding, Mel won two Ashes campaigns in 1998 and 2002/03 as well as two ODI World Cup’s in 1997 and 2005 to bookend her career.

Playing in the amateur era meant Mel had to juggle her playing commitments with work as a teacher and in cricket development throughout Australia, England and South Africa. Working for Surrey Cricket in 2000, a moment of adversity transformed into a blessing when she was dropped for the Ashes. While only one womens game was broadcast for the summer, her name was passed on to Sky Sports as a potential commentator and she went on to hold that position for several years. Mel then took up a commentary role at home with Channel 9 when they won the rights to the cricket in 2007.

2015 was a pivotal moment in her commentary career, as she was one of the first four female commentators for the Indian Premier League. Making the decision to go full time into commentary in 2018, Mel became the first female lead on the Big Bash and has been a regular with Fox Sports Cricket over the Australian summer, Sky Sports over the England summer and ICC World Cup events.

Since retirement, Mel has focused on supporting, developing and expanding career opportunities for women in sport, through cricket as well as the broader sporting industry. In November 2019, Mel was the first former female player to hold a Director role on the board of Cricket Australia.

In August 2021 while stuck in hotel quarantine, Mel saw a news story on the overthrow of the Afghanistan government by the Taliban and the Afghan sportswomen that were, among other groups, being specifically targeted. After the Afghanistan national women’s football team evacuated the country, Mel helped assemble a coterie of trusted, reliable and proactive women who could do the same for the national women’s cricket team. Having to keep their plans secret and facing terrifying deadlines and threats, the group secured 135 Humanitarian Visa’s for the players and their families.

While they continue to fight to set up a life in Australia, and one day hopefully return home, Mel has launched Pitch Our Future, a charity focused on financially supporting the players in their playing and educational careers with the hope that they, and other Afghan women, can play under their new founded refugee logo.

Founding JET Group International in 2023, Mel’s company runs personal development immersion for women in sport and sports fandom tours to world events. Within this, they aim to address the imbalance of women at decision-making tables and help shape sport in a way that includes everyone.

In addition to this accolade, Mel Jones is a member of the Victoria University Sport Hall of Fame, was inducted to the Victorian Honour Roll of Women in 2017, earned a Medal of the Order of Australia (OAM) in 2021 for services towards cricket and the community and was named a Cricket Victoria Life Member in 2024.