City of Rockingham celebrates sporting excellence at 2025 Sports Star Awards

The City of Rockingham honoured its top athletes, volunteers and sporting clubs at the 28th annual Sports Star Awards at the Gary Holland Community Centre last Wednesday.

The Sports Star Awards have been a cornerstone of the city’s community calendar since 1996, recognising the outstanding achievements and contributions of local sportspeople across all levels of competition.

This year, more than 70 nominations were received across 12 categories, reflecting the commitment of Rockingham locals to the sporting community.

Mayor Deb Hamblin said the awards highlighted the vital role sport played in fostering community spirit, health and inclusion.

“Sport brings people together, builds resilience and creates opportunities for all ages and abilities,” she said.

“These awards celebrate not only athletic excellence but also the volunteers and clubs that make grassroots sport possible.”

Among the standout winners was Baldivis Little Athletics Centre, which took home two major honours on the night: club of the year and the club governance award, recognising its commitment to grassroots athletics for children aged 5 to 17.

“We are beyond proud that Baldivis Athletics Centre has been awarded club of the year and the club governance award,” the club said via Facebook.

“To receive not one but two awards is an incredible recognition of the dedication, teamwork and passion of our athletes, families, volunteers, and committee.

“Together, we’ve built a strong, supportive community that celebrates family, fun and fitness both on and off the track. A huge thank you to everyone who contributes their time and energy — these awards belong to all of us.”

2025 Sport Star Award winners:

Club of the Year - Baldivis Little Athletics Centre.

Inclusion Program or Event of the Year - Tennis 4 All (South Mandurah Tennis Club), hosted at Baldivis Tennis Club.

Team of the Year - Secret Harbour SLSC Line Throwing Relay Team (World Surf Lifesaving Championships 2024).

Volunteer of the Year - Martin (Bobby) Ball (Port Kennedy Soccer Club).

Club Governance Award - Baldivis Little Athletics Centre.

Keren Ugle (Senior) Indigenous Sports Star of the Year - Elijah Ugle (Rockingham Mandurah Districts Cricket Club).

John Brown Lifetime Achievement Memorial Award – Terry Fraser and Terri Fraser (Safety Bay Tennis Club).

Junior Sports Star of the Year - Mia Kretzer (Skateboarding).

Master Sports Star of the Year - Lyle Kildea (Rockingham Swimming Club).

Senior Sports Star of the Year - Stan Skinner (Cricket).

Sports Person of the Year with Disability - Wayne Arnott (Safety Bay Tennis Club).

Junior Volunteer of the Year – Austin Green (Rockingham City Football) .