Victorian Sport Awards - VicSport

Victorian Sport AwardsThursday, October 30, 2008Melbourne Exhibition CentreLevel 2, Auditorium

2008 Victorian Sport Awards SummaryVictorian Sports Leadership - Eunice Gill AwardVictorian Official of the Year AwardVictorian Coach of the Year AwardLord Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to SportProudly supported by the City Of MelbourneMasters Sport AwardVictorian Community Club AwardVictorian Junior Male Athlete of the Year - Dame Mary Herring AwardProudly presented by AFL SportsReadyVictorian Junior Female Athlete of the Year – Dame Mary Herring AwardProudly supported by AFL SportsReadyVictorian Junior Team of the Year AwardVictorian Women’s Team of the Year AwardProudly supported by OAMPSVictorian Men’s Team of the Year AwardProudly supported by OAMPSVictorian Female Athlete of the Year - Kitty McEwan AwardProudly supported by the Department of Planning andCommunity DevelopmentVictorian Male Athlete of the Year - Frank Wilkes AwardProudly supported by the Department of Planning and Community DevelopmentVictorian Sportsperson of the Year - Governor’s Award2 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

WelcomeOn behalf of VicSport, I would like to warmly welcome you to the 2008 Victorian Sport Awards;an event undertaken to recognise the achievements of Victoria’s athletes, coaches, officials andadministrators. There have been many outstanding winners over the long history of the Awards and inthis an Olympic year we are fortunate to have a large number of individuals who have competed withdistinction. This is reflected tonight with an excellent quality of nominations yet again received.As well as hosting tonight’s Awards, VicSport plays an important role in developing the sport andactive recreation sector, undertaking vital industry research with the aim of developing best practiceand assisting key agencies to develop policies based on the needs of the sector.As Victoria showcases its world-class facilities, athletes and sporting culture, VicSport continues towork with its members and government agencies to encourage wide participation at the communitylevel in a variety of sport and recreational activities. Sport and recreation is central to the healthand well being of our community. It is from this growth in community participation that our stars oftomorrow will develop.Without the on going support of our partners and our member organisations it would not be possiblefor VicSport to stage tonight’s award ceremony or to fulfill its role in promoting better outcomes forall sport and active recreation. In particular I would like to thank all of our supporters including theDepartment of Planning and Community Development, and VicHealth. Also the sponsors of tonight’sAwards the City of Melbourne, OAMPS Insurance Brokers and AFL SportsReady.I congratulate all nominees and trust that everyone has an enjoyable evening.Anthony BowdActing CEOVicSport2008 3 VicSport Annual Awards 3

2008 VicSport Annual Awards 2008 VicSport Annual AwardsFor more than 27 years the Victorian Sport Awards have recognised outstanding achievements in sportwhether it be as an athlete, coach, official or administrator.Throughout this booklet you will find listed all the past winners of each award, profiles of someprevious winners and a full list of nominees for this year.Consider the achievements of 1988 Junior Female Athlete of the year winner Sarah Fitz-Gerald(squash) who went on to become one of the games great players winning five World Championships,65 titles and 11 years as President of the Women’s International Squash Players Association.Who from this year’s list of nominees will go onto to bigger and better things and become the nextCatherine Freeman or Cadel Evans?In 2008, each affiliated State Sporting Association was given the opportunity to submit nominationsfor the 2008 Victorian Sport Awards in any/all categories.These nominations were then released to all State Sporting Associations for an industry vote. Tonightthe top three finalists and winner in each category are announced.The recipients of the Governor’s Award for Sportsperson of the Year, Lord Mayors Award, OutstandingVictorian Club and the Victorian Sports Leadership – Eunice Gill Award were decided by a panel madeup of members of the VicSport Board.Tonight’s MC – Gerard WhateleyAt the completion of his first year he was named the Young Journalist of the Year at theMelbourne Press Club's prestigious Quill Awards.With a bent for breaking significant stories, Gerard earned a reputation for authority andaccuracy, enhanced at the 2000 Olympics breaking a series of stories surrounding the drug useby competing weightlifters.Soon after the Ten Network reclaimed Gerard's services to be a foundation member of thenetwork's AFL commentary team. Gerard also joined ABC Radio's AFL team. In his inaugural yearcalling football he was named the Australian Football Media Association's Most OutstandingRadio Caller.Throughout this time his horse racing work in print, radio and television was rewarded withnumerous awards.Having been a regular voice on the national broadcaster for a couple of years, Gerard joinedthe ABC full time in September 2004 to fulfil a childhood dream of broadcasting a wide varietyof sports.In 2007 he was named the ABC Sports Broadcaster of the year and recently returned fromthe Beijing Olympics where he was part of the ABC Radio Commentary Team.4 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Sports Leadership 2008 VicSport - Eunice Gill Annual Award AwardsCreated in 1987, the Victorian Sports Leadership Award is awarded to the Victorianwho has made an outstanding contribution to the management of their sport overan extended period of time. The award is named after Eunice Gill, in honour of herexceptional commitment to sporting participation, coaching and administration.Previous winners2007 Anne George Netball2006 Judith Yates Hockey2005 Dawn Wilcox Women’s Sport and Recreation2004 Ron Steiner Rugby Union2003 Julie Savage Women’s Cricket2002 Geoff Miles Soccer2001 Steven Robertson Surfing2000 Prof. David Shilbury Deakin University1999 Lindsay Gaze Basketball1998 Russell Hopper Netball1997 Nigel Taylor Surf Lifesaving1996 Doug Fox Golf1995 Ron Bongetti Swimming1994 Mary Wilson ACHPER1993 Susie Norton Oz Tennis1992 Kay Mahlook Golf1991 Margaret Lonsdale Western Region Sports Assembly1990 Valerie Morrison Netball1989 Jess Ferguson Hockey1988 Valerie Styles Women’s Cricket1987 Peg Park BadmintonNomineesBree McDonald Netball• Bree held the position of Team Manager for the Melbourne Vixens for their inaugural ANZChampionship season (2008), in which the Vixens finished fourth.• With a new competition, a new team and greater responsibilty, Bree had to manage the teamthrough their busy interstate and international schedule. Additional responsibilities includedtraining venue set-ups, assisting with the compilation of the team program and assisting withteam statistics on match night.Ruth McMahon Hockey• Ruth holds National accreditations as an Umpire, Technical Official and Umpire Coach.• She is the head of the Hockey Victoria Junior Umpire Advisory Group and organises coaching,assessment and appointment programs for junior umpires over the season.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 5

Victorian 2008 VicSport Victorian Sports Annual Sports Leadership Awards Leadership - Eunice - Eunice Gill Award Gill Award• Ruth also assists as a Senior Technical Officer at major state events such as the Junior StateChampionships. She has recently been selected to act as a Senior Technical Official at aNational Indoor Tournament.Neil Morarty Life Saving Victoria• Neil has been involved with Surf Lifesaving for more than 44 years and has made a significantcontribution to sport and recreation in Victoria. He currently holds the following positionsincluding director, chairman Aquatic Sports Council, Audit and Finance Committee, Honoursand Awards Committee, and the Life Saving Victoria Life Members Committee, Level 3 Official,Training Officer, and State representation to the SLSA Board of Surf Sports.• Through his direction, Surf Life Saving and Royal Lifesaving Victoria have merged to set a newdevelopment, awareness and education for all Victorians to utilise and enjoy ourwaterways safely.• Neil has also been involved with the introduction of officials’ courses, coaching courses, surfboat sweeps courses, High Performance and Sport Development programs.Peter Sanderson Swimming• Peter is an accreditated official in General Principles, Marshalling, Timekeeping and as aStroke Judge.• He was inducted as a Life Member of Swimming Victoria at the 2008 AGM, and he is also a LifeMember of the Nunawading Swimming Club having been a member for more than 30 years.• Peter has been Treasurer and President, and is a Life Member, of District East (whereNunawading Swimming Club is located). The policies and procedures implemented under Peter’sguidance have helped the organisation grow and prosper.Brooke Sargent Gymnastics• Brooke is a gymnastics coach who is continuously motivating athletes from elite to grassrootslevel to strive for success as athletes, and also in coaching and judging.• Brooke was awarded Gymnastics Australia General Gymnastics Coach of the Year Awardfor 2008.• Brooke has been a presenter for gymnastics at a wide range of conferences from ACHPERto the YMCA.6 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Official of the 2008 Year VicSport Annual AwardsIntroduced in 2000, the VicSport Victorian Official of the Year is awarded to theofficial who has most demonstrated excellence in their chosen sport.Prior to 2006, the award honoured multiple worthy officials representing a variety ofsports. In 2006 the decision was made to select one exceptional official to stand asthe overall winner of the Victorian Official of the Year.Previous winners2007 Judith Barnsby Hockey2006 Barbara Morgan Life SavingNomineesMichael Aylen Basketball• FIBA Basketball Referee 2008 Beijing Olympics.• 2008 Beijing Olympics Men’s Semi Final Referee.• NBL Referee of the Year 2004 and 2007-08 seasons.• Referee 297 NBL games.• Basketball Victoria Official of the Year 2007-08 season.• Victorian Basketball Referees Association Referee of the Year 2007-08 season.Graham Bull Cycling• Has officiated at more than 35 open events, road and track, in the past two seasons,in addition to club events.• He is approachable and well respected by all in the Victorian cycling community.• He regularly applies to officiate at all events conducted by all promoters.John Ivett Billiards• Director of Referees both in Victoria and nationally and Chairman of the Australian Billiards andSnooker Referees Association.• Director of referees for all major nationally-ranked tournaments played in Victoria includingAustralian Nationals and Victorian Championships.• Primary trainer and facilitator of referee induction courses.• John has demonstrated committment and excellence in all aspects of Billiards and Snooker whileperforming his varied and often demanding roles.Bob Ness Swimming• Bob Ness was awarded Life Membership for his many years of service as an Officialat the 2008 Swimming Victoria Annual General Meeting.• Through his tireless efforts running school swimming meets he has made aninvaluable contribution to the sport in Victoria and his contribution as a referee has spanned26 years.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 7

2008 VicSport Annual Victorian Awards Official of the Year• Bob is a holder of the Swimming Victoria Service Award and Meritorious Service Awards. Heis also a Life Member of Malvern Swimming Club (which merged with Melbourne VicCentre in1996). Bob has recently retired as the liaison between the schools sports community and thetechnical officials within the sport.Peter Van Dueren Surf Lifesaving• Referee 2008 Victorian Lifesaving Championships.• Officials Coordinator for Life Saving Victoria.• 2008 Life Saving Victoria Official of the Year.• Peter took on the role of Officials Coordinator in 2004 and formed an Officials Panel, improvedcommunications with officials and introduced forums and workshops.Eric Waller Rowing• Rowing Victorian Board member for 15 years and currently holds the position ofVice President.• President of the Ballarat Wendouree Rowing Club since 1979.• Attends and officiates at most Rowing Victoria sanctioned regattas and has been involved in theevent management of many Australian Championships.• Involved in the running of the 1990 World Rowing Championship in Tasmania and the 2002 WorldMasters Games in Ballarat.• Has continued to conduct and promote rowing in Ballarat (even with Lake Wendouree dry) byencouraging local schools to continue their rowing programs by travelling to Geelong eachweek to train.awards20088 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Coach of the 2008 Year VicSport Annual AwardsThis award was first presented in 1994 to celebrate the Australian CoachingCouncil’s promotion of the ‘Year of the Coach’. The tradition is continued with the2008 VicSport award for Victorian Coach of the Year, acknowledging outstandingcoaching contributions.Previous winners2007 Kristy Keppich-Birrell Netball2006 Ian Pope Swimming2005 Ken Davis Women’s Cricket2004 Lisa Alexander Netball2003 Rachel Johnson Aerial Skiing2002 Roger Flynn Squash2001 Peter Fortune Athletics2000 Peter Fortune Athletics1999 Noel Donaldson Rowing1998 Chris Wardlaw Athletics1997 Noel Donaldson Rowing1996 David Sanders CyclingPast Winner – Ian Pope (2006)Ian Pope’s CV boasts an impressive list of swimmerswho are either current or past World, Olympic andCommonwealth champions including Michael Klim, GrantHackett, Giaan Rooney and Matt Welsh.Currently the Head Coach of the Melbourne VicentreSwimming Club based at MSAC, Ian Pope was the coachof the Australian swimming team at the FINA WorldChampionships in 2005, which included six swimmers thatIan personally coached.Ian’s athletes won five Gold, two Silver and two Bronzemedals at the 2006 Commonwealth Games Trials makingVicentre the champion club for the third successive year.Ian was a Coach for the Australian 2000 Olympic Teamand was named Victorian Swimming Coach of the Year eachyear from 1998-2005. Ian was awarded the 2003 Telstraand 2004 Australian Swimming and Coaches TeachingAssociation National Swimming Coach of the Year.In 2006, Ian was the recipient of the Victorian SportAwards Coach of the Year.Ian Pope with basketballlegend Lindsay Gaze.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 9

2008 VicSport Annual Awards Victorian Coach of the YearNomineesCarol Byers Netball• Assistant Coach of the Melbourne Vixens, Victoria's representative team in theANZ Championship.• Melbourne Vixens had an excellent season in the inaugural year of the competition, finishingfourth with nine wins from 13 games.• Head coach of Victorian Fury – Victoria’s representative team in the Australian Netball League.They were undefeated for the season.• Coach/Participation Development Manager for Netball Australia.Hilton Clarke Cycling• 2008 Paralympics Beijing – coached Michael Gallagher to gold medal in Individual Pursuit Finaland bronze in the road race• 2008 Track National Championships – Victorian Head Track Coach results including first in theTeams Sprint Men, Team Pursuit Men and Omnium Men at the Australian Track Championships.• First, third and fourth in the men’s Australian Track Championships Points Race.• First, third and fourth in the men’s Australian Track Championships Time Trial.• First, third and fourth in the men’s Australian Track Championships Sprint.John Hart Gymnastics• John had two of his gymnasts selected on the 2008 Australian Olympic Team and a third gymnastselected as the Reserve. His gymnasts were the top two ranked Australian gymnasts at theBeijing Olympics (13th & 15th in the world).• Member of Victorian Elite Gymnastics Advisory Committee.• International Stream Head Coach of the Waverley Gymnastics Centre in Victoria awarded EliteGymnastics Club of the Year for past three consecutive National Clubs Championships.Chris O’Brien Rowing• Coached gold medal winning Australian team of Drew Ginn and Duncan Free at the BeijingOlympics and gold at the 2007 World Championships.• Head coach for the Rowing program at the Victorian Institute of Sport.• Chris has been the coach for Victoria's Interstate Team for more than seven years.Greg Shipperd Cricket• The Victorian Bushrangers became the first team to ever reach the final in each of the three majorcompetitions.Twenty 20, one-day and four-day competitions.• Twenty20 has been running for three seasons and the Victorian Bushrangers have won all threetitles.• Produced three players who won Cricket Australia contracts with a further two players added tothe most recent touring Australia team.• He was invited to coach Indian Premier League franchise the Delhi Daredevils in the inauguralcompetition.10 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Coach of the 2008 Year VicSport Annual AwardsRohan Taylor Swimming• Australian Olympic Team Coach for the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.• Coach of two athletes on the 2008 Olympic Games team; Leisel Jones (Gold 100m Breaststroke,Gold 4x100m Medley Relay – world record, Silver 200m Breaststroke);• Shayne Reese (Gold 4x100m Medley Relay, Bronze 4x100m Freestyle Relay)• Coach of 2008 Beijing Paralympian Hannah McDougall.• Rohan is the President of the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ASCTA), aposition that he has held since 2005.Geoff Waters Surf Lifesaving• Chair Surf Life Saving Australia Rescue and Resuscitation Committee.• Coached Gold Medal U19 R & R 2008 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.• Gold Medal U17 R & R 2008 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.• 2008 Life Saving Victoria Coach of the Year.• Gold Medal U15 & U17 R & R Victorian Lifesaving Championships.Al Westover Basketball• NBL Championship Coach 2007-08 season.• NBL runner-up coach 2006/07 season.• Australian Club Championships – Melbourne Tigers Big V team finished in the top four.• Coached Melbourne Tigers juniors to eight State League Championships.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 11

2008 VicSport Victorian Annual Outstanding Awards Contribution to SportLord Mayor’s AwardHistoryAs longstanding supporters of the VicSport Awards, the City of Melbournepresents an award representative of the prestige and value of sport in Victoriaat the highest level.As a result, the “Victorian Outstanding Contribution to Sport – Lord Mayor’sAward” is presented to an individual or organisation in recognition of outstandingachievement in, or contribution to sport in Victoria. Winners of the Lord Mayor’sAward are selected by a panel of industry representatives, and are chosen basedon their significant role in the Victorian sport and active recreation sector.Previous winners2007 Catherine Freeman2006 Peter Norman2005 Judy Patching2004 James Barry2003 Susan Holmes2002 Joyce Brown2001 Steve Moneghetti2000 Lindsay Gaze1999 VicHealth1998 Dr Frank PykeCatherine FreemanCatherine Freeman was 2007’s winner of the Lord Mayor’s award for her outstandingcontribution to sport.A successful athletics career spanning 13 years of international competition consistentlywinning the 200 and 400m Australian National Titles, Indoor Championships, WorldChampionships and Commonwealth Games. Catherine was given the honour of lighting theOlympic Flame in the opening ceremony of the Sydney Olympic and going on to win a gold medalin the 400m.The Catherine Freeman foundation is Cathy’s other passion which she started to providebetter opportunities for disadvantaged individuals and communities. The Foundation has aparticular interest in using education, sport and the arts as pathways to greater opportunitiesand personal development. Via her athletic and philanthropic achievements Cathy has been aleader and role model in the community for many years.12 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Previous winners of the 2008 Lord VicSport Mayors Annual Award Awards2003 Mrs Mary Jones accepting the award on behalfof Lord Mayor’s Award winner Susan Holmes2004 John So & Lord MayorsAward winner, James Barry(Left) 2005 John Soand Kevin Gosperreceiving theaward on behalf ofJudy Patching2007 - Cr BrianShanahan andLord MayorsAward winner,Catherine Freeman.2006 John So and Emma, Belinda, Jan Normanreceiving the award on behalf of Peter Norman.2001winnerStevenMoneghettiin action2008 VicSport Annual Awards 13

2008 VicSport Annual Victorian Awards Masters Sport AwardVicSport, in conjunction with VicHealth, introduced the Victorian Masters Awardin 1995 following the success of the fifth Australian Masters Games. This awardacknowledges the emergence of Masters’ sport as an integral component ofexcellence in lifetime sporting participation.Previous winners2007 Darren King Cycling2006 Carol Cooke Swimming2005 Robert Butcher Lifesaving2004 Colin McCurry Athletics2003 Pearl Heenan Diving2002 Bernard Michael Jonston Athletics2001 Malcolm Hill Cycling2000 Lavinia Petrie Athletics1999 Russell Fletcher Swimming1998 Dianne Ricardo Squash1997 Shirley Viner Orienteering1996 Margaret Murphy GolfNomineesJulia Cullity Surf Life Saving• She won the gold medal in the 30-34 Women’s Beach Flags Rescue at the 2008 WorldChampionships in Germany.• Team member of the gold medal winning female IRB Mass Rescue (Anglesea team) at the 2008World Championships in Germany.• Bronze medal winning team member in the Open Female Mass Rescue (Anglesea team) at theAustralian IRB Championships.• Bronze medal winning team member in the Open Female teams event.Patrick Galvin Swimming• Pat won a gold medal and three silver medals (there was a maximum of five events per person) atthe FINA Masters World Championships in Perth, 2008.• He also holds numerous National and State swimming records, many of which were set this year.Liz Randall Cycling• 2008 UCI World Masters Champion 60+ Time Trial in Austria.• 2008 UCI World Masters Champion 60 + Road Race in Austria.14 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Outstanding Victorian Community 2008 VicSport Club Annual AwardsThe Outstanding Victorian Community Club award has been created to recognisethe work of community sporting clubs throughout Victoria. The criteria for selectionin this award category includes consideration of the variety of member services,activities and practices that the club engages in; such as programs for all ages andabilities, community involvement and volunteer engagement.Previous winners2007 Burden Park Tennis ClubNomineesBadminton Geelong• For 61 years the cub has provided programs for all ages, abilities and background. They areinvolved in the promotion of multicultural engagement, prevention of sports-related injury, riskmanagement practices, promoting appropriate specatator behaviour, providing player, coach andumpire development days. The club regularly conducts open days during schools holidays and wasable to successfully manage the 2007 U15 Australian Carnival and has been approved to hold the2009 Australian Masters Games for Badminton.• Badminton Geelong have become an example to other sports and clubs on how to operate withthe club generating more interest in the sport and cooperation within the sport within the Barwonregion.Lakes Entrance Surf Lifesaving Club• This club has contributed to life saving in Victoria in many different ways including hosting asuccessful Westpac Junior State Championships in 2008. They have also completed the radio andlookout tower at the Lakes Entrance beach, improved beach access for the visiting public. The clubalso ensured the UHF network for Lakes Entrance was connected after an eight-year absence.• The club uses innovative volunteer management and retention strategies. Due to its location itcan be difficult to attract and retain volunteers. The club encourages members from all differentbackgrounds to enjoy the club and become involved in all the different aspects. The club hosteda Koori Family Day in January 2008 where indigenous community members were invited to comealong and participate in lifesaving activities for the day.Monbulk Swimming Club• This club has developed squads for all levels, ages, and is welcoming to people from all cultures.There is a compulsory before and after training exercise regime to assist with the prevention ofinjury. They also implemented a risk management policy for the running of club events. The clubenforces a strict no-alcohol and no-smoking policy and is constantly promoting the negative sideeffects of these activities.• This club is very strong in the community participating in local expos and events. During theschool holidays, the club provides free stroke correction for anyone able to swim 25 metres.Coaches regularly visit schools in the district promoting healthy living and exercise. They alsooffer three weeks free tryout to anyone interested in joining the club.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 15

2008 VicSport Outstanding Annual Awards Victorian Community ClubWaverley Gymnstics Centre (WGC)• This club is one of only three in Victoria that Gymnastics Victoria consider as an elite programprovider. WGC has won the National Elite Club of the Year for 2006 and 2007. This club had twogymnasts selected in the Olympic team to represent Australia in Beijing, who placed 13th and15th in the individual finals (the highest placed Australians in this event).• WGC is a non-profit organisation with more than 750 members operating out of three campuses –the additional campuses were introduced to cater for the growing community interest.• WGC is one of the clubs in Victoria with the biggest range of programs for women’s gymnastics.Last month, WGC was the first Victorian club to be awarded a five-star rating for theirmanagement and co aching practices by Gymanstics Australia based on the implementation of anelite program within a club setting.• The club operates programs for all abilities in age groups rangeing from kinder gym through toelite competition.VF Trainorwww.vftrainor.com.auCreate a lastingimpressionTrophies, GiftwarePromotional ProductsLevel 3/289 Flinders Lane Melbourne Vic 3000P: (03) 9650 2129 F: (03) 9650 8749E: mark@vftrainor.com.au M: 0412 11 44 66TRAINORSTROPHIES16 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Junior Athlete 2008 of the VicSport Year – Dame Annual Mary Awards Herring A– Dame Mary Herring AwardIn honour of Dame Mary Herring, VicSport presents the Award tothe Victorian Junior Athlete of the Year. An elder stateswoman of theVictorian Women’s Amateur Sports Council and a keen hockey player,Dame Mary was a passionate contributor for the advancement of sportand general participation of all people.As in 2007, this year VicSport has split the Victorian Junior Athlete of the Yearaward into two subsections (Male and Female) due to an overwhelming responsefor nominations.Previous winners2007 Danni Miatke Swimming2007 Glenn O’Shea Cycling2006 Danni Miatke Swimming2005 Michael Ford Cycling2004 Ronnie Buckley AthleticsKrystal WeirSailing2003 Mark French Cycling2002 Mark French Cycling2001 Leisl Ischia Diving2000 Georgie Clarke Athletics1999 Rahna Demarte Cycling1998 Brett Lancaster Cycling1997 Glenn Ashby Sailing1996 Narelle Peterson Cycling1995 Paul Byrne Athletics1994 Kelly Stevenson Diving1993 Byron Davis Squash1992 Joanna Hughes Gymnastics1991 Joanna Hughes Gymnastics1990 Mia Farrance Canoeing1989 Mark Holcombe Athletics1988 Sarah Fitz-Gerald Squash1987 Nicole Livingstone Swimming2008 VicSport Annual Awards 17

2008 VicSport Victorian Annual Junior Awards Male Athlete of the YearNomineesDylan Alcott (17) Wheelchair Basketball• Dylan was a gold medalist at the 2008 Beijing Paralympics in wheelchair basketball.• He was the youngest member of the Australian Rollers Wheelchair Basketball team(at 17).• He was the MVP at the U20 Nationals in 2007 and was a silver medalist at the 2007 ParalympicWorld Cup.Simon Carlton (17) Life Saving• Simon was second in the U17 Belt Race in the Australian Surf Life Saving Championship(two years in a row).• First, U17 Surf Race 2008 Australian Surf Life Saving Championship.• First, U17 Tube Race Australian Surf Life Saving Championship, 2008.• Third, Open Ironman 2008 Victorian Lifesaving Championships (youngest medalist ever).Leigh Howard (18) Cycling• Represented Australia in the 2008 Track World Championships.• Second in the Omnium World Championships, Great Britain.• First in the Coppa Colli Briantei Italy.• First, Stage 2 Tour of Berlin, and 10th overall in the Tour of Berlin.– Dame Mary Herring AwardBoris Ma (16) Badminton• Won the 2007 CP Maddern Trophy and Australasian U19 Championships,(and winner of the Carnival Sportsmanship Award).• Ranked number one for boys’ singles in Australia, number 2 for boys’doubles and number 2 for mixed doubles.• Member of the Australian Junior Team at the World Junior Championships in 2007.Jeremy Meyer (16) Swimming• Finalist, 2008 FINA World Youth Championships – Mexico.• At the 2008 Australian Age Championship, Jeremy won gold in the 100m breaststroke and silverin the 200m breaststroke – breaking the Victorian record in both events.Darcy Taylor (14) Diving• Australian Junior Elite Champion winning the three-metre, one-metre and three-metre synchro.• Victorian Junior Elite Champion winning the three-metre, one-metre and three-metre synchro.• A member of the Australian team for the FINA World Junior Championships.18 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Junior Athlete 2008 of the VicSport Year: Past Annual Winners AwardsPROFILE: Past winnersIn recent years given the strength and number of nominations received for the Junior Athleteaward the category was split into Male and Female categories. Below is a profile of some of theathletes who have won the award.Mark French (cycling)Mark won the Junior Male Profile in 2002 and 2003 for his successes in cycling which havecontinued on to this day, as he has been nominated as the Men’s Team of the Year in theVictorian Track Cycling Team. This year Mark competed in the World Cup in Los Angeles comingthird in the team sprint. Mark was also a part of the Australian Cycling team which competed inthe Beijing Olympics in which he came 13th in the individual sprint, and the team came fourthjust missing out on the bronze medal.Nicole Livingstone (swimming)Livingstone won the award in 1987 and competed for Australia in three summer Olympics – 1988,1992 and 1996 – winning both individual and team medals. Livingstone still holds the Australianrecord for the 200m backstroke. Notably, she is the only Australian swimmer to have competedin six successive Pan Pacific Championships before retiring after the 1996 Olympics. Livingstonenow involved in the media and is also active in promoting drug-free sports in Australia. She isinvolved in the Australian Olympic Committee's "Live Clean, Play Clean" anti-doping educationprogram and is also a board member of the Australian Sports Drug Agency (ASDA).Krystal Weir (sailing)Krystal Weir won the VicSport Junior Female athlete in 2004 when it was a draw with RonnieBuckley from Athletics. Krystal has come along way since winning the Junior Female athleteaward. Competing in her first Olympics in Beijing in the Yngling Class where she was able toplace 10th with her crew mates of Karyn Gojnich and Angela Farrell. This crew had an impressivelead into the Olympics placing second in the World Championships in March. Krystal has beenthe Victorian Youth Sailor of the Year, Australian Sailor of the Year and Bayside Leader SportsStar of the Year.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 19

2008 VicSport Victorian Annual Junior Awards Female Athlete of the YearNominees– Dame Mary Herring AwardMadison Browne (20) Netball• Madison is in the Australian Netball squad for 2008, and is also a member of theAustralian U21 Team.• She was a member of the 2008 Melbourne Vixens Team competing in the ANZChampionship, and is also a member of the Victorian Fury team.Sarah Cardwell (16) Squash• In 2007, 15-year-old Sarah moved into the 17 year and under age group and became runner-up inthe National Junior Series Event #1.• Sarah is currently ranked number one in Australia for her age group (U17) and ranked 11 inAustralia for Open Age Women.• She won the 2008 Victorian Junior State Title.• Sarah recently joined the Women’s International Squash Players’ Association, which means shenow competes against the best players in the world. In Sarah’s first WISPA tournament in the TopEnd Open in Darwin she defeated the number 61 player in the world, and finished the tournamenta semi-finalist.Britt Greeley (15) Gymnastics• Brit finished first in the Team, All Around, Vault, Bars, Beam and Floor in the VictorianChampionships.• She was first in the Team and Bars, and second in the Beam and third on the Floor in theAustralian Championships.• At the 2007 National Club Championships, Bree was fifth in the All Around.Nicole Hunt (19) Basketball• Nicole has been selected for the Australian 19 and Under Basketball team (Gems). She is also anAIS Women’s Basketball Program Scholarship holder.• She was WNBL Rookie of the year for season 2007-08, averaging 10.4 points per game, 4.1assists and a total of 308 points playing 24 games• Nicole won the Most Valuable Player award at the Australian U20 National BasketballChampionships, where Victoria won the gold medal.• She is also a Victorian U20 State Representative.Jemimah Lam (14) Surf Life Saving• First in the U15 Beach Flags at the 2008 Interstate Championships.• First in the U15 Beach Sprint and Beach Flags at the 2008 Victorian Lifesaving Championships.• 2008 Victorian Life Saving Junior Female Athlete of the Year.20 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

2008 VicSport Annual AwardsVictorian Junior Female Athlete of the Year– Dame Mary Herring AwardGrace Loh (17) Swimming• She won gold in the 2008 FINA World Youth Championship in the 50m backstroke and gold in the100m backstroke.• Grace is currently ranked seventh in the top 10 all-time Australian listing.• She won gold in the 100m and 200m backstroke 2008 Australian Age Championships.Victoria Na (17) Badminton• Competed in the Australian Open International, reaching the quarter-finals in the singles andsemi-finals for the doubles.• She won the singles at the Ballarat Open.Anabelle Smith (19) Diving• Anabelle competed in the Olympic Trials, placing fifth in the three-metre and fourth in the onemetre.• Anabelle competed in the FINA World Junior Championships in the one-metre, three-metre andPlatform.• She is currently ranked third in Australia for the three-metre.Nikki Van Dijk (13) Surfing• Nikki placed second in the U18 division at the Quiksilver Grommet Titles in December 2007. At 13,Nikki was the youngest surfer to represent Victoria in the U18 division.• Nikki finished runner-up to ISA World Junior Champion Laura Enever from NSW.• She was 2007 Victorian U13 Girls champion.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 21

2008 VicSport Annual Victorian AwardsJunior Team of the YearThis Award was introduced in 1989 in response to the quantity and quality teamsnominated for the Junior Athlete Award. VicSport is proud to present this award inrecognition of the contribution and dedication young Victorians have made to teamsport throughout the year.Previous Winners2007 Victorian 19/U Netball Team2006 Victorian 19/U Netball Team2005 Victorian Junior Track Team(U15-U17)2004 Victorian 17 and Under Netball Team2003 Victorian Junior Track Cycling Team2002 Victorian Junior Track Cycling Team2001 Victorian U14 Baseball Team2000 Victorian Women's U21Hockey Team1999 Victorian 17 and Under Netball Team1998 Victorian Junior InternationalWomen’s Artistic Team –Gymnastics1997 Victorian School Surfing Team1996 Victorian Women's U21 HockeyTeam1995 Victorian Women's U21 HockeyTeam1994 Victoria U19 Netball Team1993 Werribee U14 Basketball Team(Boys)1992 Victorian Mirror Class 9 (Yachting)1991 Victorian Institute of Sport TableTennis Team1990 Star Squadron Marching Team1989 Victorian U18 Badminton TeamNomineesOcean Grove Surf Life Saving Club – U/19 Rescue & Resuscitation• First, U19 R & R 2008 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.• First, U19 R & R 2008 Victorian Lifesaving Championships.• First, U19 R & R Manly/Freshwater carnivals (Major Interstate Competition).Victorian Junior Diving Team Diving• At the Australian Junior Elite Diving Championships in 2008 20 Gold medals were availableVictoria won 11 gold plus 9 silver and 10 bronze. Half of all the medals were won by theVictorian team.• Victoria won State of the Year.Half of the Australian Boys Junior Team and 60 per cent of the Australian Junior Teamcompeting in Berlin came from Victorian Junior Diving Team.Victorian Junior Track Team Cycling• Highlighted by the girls U15 and U17 and boys U15 and U17, the team won six gold medals, threesilver and seven bronze at the Australian Championships.22 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Women’s Team 2008 of VicSport the Year Annual AwardsThis Award was introduced in 1985 to provide recognitionfor outstanding performances by state sporting teams.Previous winners2007 Victorian Women’s Baseball Team2006 Melbourne Phoenix Netball Team2005 Dandenong Rangers Basketball Team2004 Australian Ladies Aerial Ski Team (all team members are Victorian)2003 Victorian Spirit Team (women’s cricket)2002 Victorian Women’s State Baseball Team2001 Melbourne Phoenix Netball Team2000 Victorian Women's Artistic Gymnastics Team1999 VIS Women's Cycling Team1998 Victorian/Australian Women’s Lightweight Coxless Pair (rowing)1997 Melbourne Waverley Pumas (netball)1996 Victorian Kayak Team1995 State Golf Team1994 Victorian Lightweight Four for the Victoria Cup (rowing)NomineesVictorian Fury Netball• They finished the inaugural season of the Australian Netball League (ANL) undefeated, beatingnine teams from all states and territories in Australia.• 2008 Australian Netball League champions.Victorian Queens Cup Crew Rowing• The women’s Victorian Queens Cup Interstate Eight successfully regained the Queens Cup at the2008 Interstate Regatta in Sydney.• The Victorian Interstate Women’s Eight have won the Queens Cup each year since 2005 and theyhave won seven of the 10 that have been conducted since the inaugural event in 1999.Victorian Women’s Softball Team Softball• Won the National U23 Women’s Softball Championship.• This was the third consecutive championship won by the Victorian U23 Women’sSoftball Team.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 23

2008 VicSport Annual AwardsFP OAMPS AD repeat from last year24 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Men’s Team of 2008 the VicSport Year Annual AwardsThe VicSport Men’s Team of the Year Awards wasintroduced in 1985 to provide recognition for outstandingperformance by Victorian men’s sporting teams.Previous winners2007 Melbourne Victory (football)2006 Victorian King’s Cup Crew2005 Men’s Coxless Pairs Rowing Team2004 Victorian Bushrangers Cricket TeamMen’s Coxless Pairs Rowing Team2003 C2 Team (canoeing)2002 Glenn Singleton & Piers Christiansen (kayaking)2001 Tom King & Mark Turnball (yachting)2000 VIS Men’s Cycling Team1999 Australia/Victorian Coxed Four (rowing)1998 City of Melbourne Table Tennis Team1996 Men's Coxless Four (rowing)VIS Men's Volleyball TeamNorth Melbourne Giants (basketball)Australian Marathon Men’s Canoe Team1993 Melbourne Tigers (basketball)NomineesMelbourne Tigers Basketball• Won the 2007-08 NBL championship by beating the Sydney Kings (in Sydney) in Game 5 of theGrand Final series.• Melbourne Tigers have a rich tradition in community programs supporting the Melbourne Zoo’s‘Tiger Taskforce’ program, Surf Life Saving Victoria, the Starlight Foundation, Make-a-Wish, RoyalChildren’s Hospital and the Leukaemia Foundation.• In 2007 more than 1500 Melbourne and regional primary and secondary school students took partin basketball clinics held by the club.Victorian Track Cycling Team• For the second year in a row Victoria won the Robina Joy Trophy as the best performed state inthe Elite Men’s events.• First in the Teams Sprint, Team Pursuit, Scratch Race and Omnium at the Australian TrackChampionships.• First, second and fourth in Australian Track Championships Keirin.• First, third and fourth in Australian Track Championships Points Race and Time Trial.• First, third and fourth in the Australian Track Championships Men’s Sprint2008 VicSport Annual Awards 25

2008 VicSport Annual Awards Minister’s MessageOn behalf of the Victorian Government,I congratulate VicSport on presenting the 2008 Victorian Sport Awards.The awards highlight the vital role played by VicSport in developing and supporting the sport andrecreation sector across the state, encouraging best practice, as well as helping meet the everchangingneeds of the sector.These awards recognise excellence right across the sport and recreation sector, promoting the manyareas of special achievement by athletes, their coaches, officials and club administrators.The Awards offer us a chance to thank and reward individuals and organisations whose efforts haveearned a nomination here tonight.This year’s nominees are outstanding role models who have each made a significant contribution tosport and recreation in Victoria. Just by being involved, each one has made a positive impact on theirclub and local community, as well as their chosen sport.That’s important for us all because sport and recreation makes an enormous contribution to Victoria.Firstly, there’s the pride we all feel from the success of our superstars. The recent Beijing Olympicsand Paralympics are a great example of how elite athletes can inspire us all to get more active.Sport also creates opportunities for social contact, delivers better wellbeing and health outcomes forindividuals and plays a vital role in reducing the economic and social impact of chronic diseases likediabetes.That’s why the Victorian Government is committed to the ‘Go for your life’ campaign – an initiativewhich encourages Victorians of all ages to increase their physical activity level and to eat well.Congratulations to VicSport on another year of outstanding nominations and each of the nomineesfor your contribution to building stronger local communities through your involvement in sport andrecreation in Victoria.James Merlino MPMinister for Sport,Recreation and Youth Affairs.26 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Female Athlete 2008 of VicSport the Year Annual Awards– Kitty McEwan AwardThe Victorian Women’s Amateur Sports Council instituted the ‘Kitty McEwanSportswoman of the Year’ Award in 1974. In 1981, it was incorporated intothe VicSport Awards and is awarded to the Victorian female athlete who hasachieved outstanding results in respect to their performances at an international,national or state level.Previous winners2007 Penny Taylor Basketball2006 Katie Mactier Cycling2005 Katie Mactier Cycling2004 Alisa Camplin Aerial Skiing2003 Sarah Fitz-Gerald Squash2002 Alisa Camplin Aerial Skiing2001 Cathy Freeman Athletics2000 Jacqui Cooper Aerial Skiing1999 Joanne King Triathlon1998 Cathy Freeman AthleticsSarah Fitz-GeraldSquash1997 Kirstie Marshall Skiing1996 Cathy Freeman AthleticsSimone McKinnisNetball1995 Cathy Freeman Athletics1994 Danielle Woodward Slalom Kayaking1993 Kathy Watt Cycling1992 Kirstie Marshall Skiing1991 Kirstie Marshall Skiing1990 Kirstie Marshall Skiing1989 Debbie Flintoff-King Athletics1988 Debbie Flintoff-King Athletics1987 Jenny Lidgett Yachting1986 Debbie Flintoff-King Athletics1995 Val Beddoe Diving1984 Sue Hawkins Netball1983 Sandra McCaw Golf1982 Bev Francis Powerlifting1981 Liz Blencow CanoeingBev FrancisPowerlifting1980 Margaret Caldow Netball1979 Denise Boyd Athletics1978 Gael Mulhall Athletics1977 Margaret Jennings Cricket1976 Charlene Rendina Athletics1975 Norma Massey Bowls1974 Jane Lock Golf2008 VicSport Annual Awards 27

2008 VicSport Annual Victorian Awards Female Athlete of the YearNomineesGeorgia Bonora Gymnastics• Georgia represented Australia at the Olympic Games and was the highest ranked Australiangymnast placing 13th in the world, helping Australia place sixth in the world.• Georgia’s scores and results at the 2008 Olympics made her the highest placed Victorian gymnastat any Olympics.• At the 2008 Golden State Classic in the USA, she placed third in the All Around, second in Beam,third in Floor, third in Vault and fourth in Bars.Harriet Brown Surf Life Saving• Third, U19 Ironwoman 2008 Australian Surf Lifesaving Championships.• Third, U19 Board Race 2008 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.• Finalist U19 Surf Race 2008 Australian Surf Life Saving Championships.• First, Open Board & Surf Race French National Championships (Biarritz, France)• First, Open Ironwoman Victorian Lifesaving Championships• 2008 Life Saving Victoria Female Athlete of the Year.Briony Cole Diving• Briony is ranked second in the world for Platform Synchronised Diving with her partner MelissaWu, only 2.33 points behind the Chinese team. This is the highest ranking ever for anAustralian team.• She won a silver medal in the Platform Synchro and was fifth in the 3m Springboard Synchro atthe 2008 Beijing Olympics.Jacqui Cooper Aerial Skiing• Jacqui won five events in the season contributing to her winning her fifth World Cup aerial skiingtitle. Only one other skier has won more World Cup titles.• She ended the season with 24 World Cup Victories, seven ahead of the next most prolific winnerin the history of the sport.• She is the world record holder, set in 2007 at the Deer Valley World Cup event with219.81 points.Kristy Gillespie Motocross Rider• Kristy won the 2008 Australian Women’s Motocross Championship.• She also won the 2008 Victorian Championship, being undefeated in eight races.• Kristy has won 36 of the 37 races she has entered in Victoria this year, she has also won theWomen’s Class at 2007 Central Vic Open, 2007 Geelong Open, 2007 Maffra-Sale Open and 2006Ararat Open.28 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Female Athlete 2008 of VicSport the Year Annual AwardsRachel Immison Hockey• She was a member of the Hockeyroos team at the past three Olympic Games, winning a goldmedal in Sydney.• She made 207 international appearances as goalkeeper for the Hockeyroos.• She was part of the gold medal winning team in the Beijing Test Event in 2007.Leisel Jones Swimming• At the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games, she won gold in the 100m breaststroke in an Olympic Gamesrecord, won gold in the 4x100m medley relay as part of a world record time and silver in the200m breaststroke.• At the 2008 Australian Swimming Championships, she won gold in the 100m and 200mbreaststroke.• She won the 2008 Swimming Victoria President's Trophy (awarded to the most outstandingcompetitor in the current season).Alice McNamara Rowing• She competed in the Australian 2008 World Rowing Championships and won gold in theLightweight Quad scull for the second year in a row.• Alice was a gold medalist and national champion in the Lightweight Single Scull.• She also won gold in the Women’s Lightweight Double Scull at the 2008 National Championships.• Attended the Beijing Olympic Trials and was selected as the Lightweight Olympic Reserve.Penny Taylor Basketball• Penny played in the silver medal winning team, the Opals, at the 2008 Beijing Olympics.• She was a WNBA Championship player with the Phoenix Mercury.• 2008 was Penny’s eighth in the WNBA. She was ranked number one for free-throw percentage,number two for efficiency, number seven for points per game, and number six for total points inthe league.PROFILE: Kirstie MarshallKirstie is an ex-gymnast who became an aerial skier and now a Labor Party politician in theelectorate of Forest Hill. Kirstie won this award from 1990- 1992 and again in 1997. The onlyother athlete to win the award four times is Catherine Freeman, however Kirstie is the onlyathlete to win it three years in-a-row. Throughout her athletic career Kirstie won 40 World Cupmedals including 17 World Cup gold medals. Victoria has produced an outstanding number offemale aerials’ skiers including Jacqui Cooper and Alisa Camplin.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 29

2008 VicSport Annual Victorian Awards Male Athlete of the YearFrank Wilkes AwardThis Award acknowledges and celebrates outstanding sporting achievements bya Victorian male athlete. The award has been named after the Hon. Frank Wilkes,and is awarded to the Victorian male athlete who has achieved outstanding resultsin their performances at an international, national or state level.Previous winners2007 Cadel Evans Cycling2006 Craig Mottram Athletics2005 James Tomkins Rowing2004 Baden Cooke Cycling2003 Matthew Welsh Swimming2002 Matthew Welsh Swimming2001 Michael Klim Swimming2000 Cadel Evans CyclingAaron BaddeleyGolf1999 Michael Klim Swimming1998 Michael Klim Swimming1997 Shane Kelly Cycling1996 Shane Kelly Cycling1995 Steve Moneghetti Athletics1994 Shane Warne Cricket1993 Peter Antonie Rowing1992 Andrew Gaze Basketball1991 Rohan Robinson Athletics1990 Dean Jones Cricket1989 Steve Moneghetti Athletics1988 John Jacoby Canoeing1987 Peter Antonie Rowing1986 John Jacoby Canoeing1985 Gary Honey Athletics1984 Glen Kelly Trampoline1983 Glen Thurlow Water Skiing1982 Robert DeCastella Athletics30 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Victorian Male Athlete 2008 of the VicSport Year Annual AwardsNomineesChris Anstey Basketball• Chris competed for the Australian Boomers at the 2008 Olympic Games.• He is the captain of the Melbourne Tigers, becoming the NBL Most Valuable Player in 2007-08,and played in the Aussie All-Star Team.• In the last three seasons Chris has captained the Tigers to two championships and one grand final,and has been named the team MVP each year.Dale Begg-Smith Freestyle Skier• Dale put his name into the record books of mogul skiing in the 2007-08 season winning his thirdstraight World Cup title. Only the second person to win three straight World Cups.• Begg-Smith collected three gold and two silver medals during the season, taking his career tallyof victories to 15.David Crawshay Rowing• David won a gold medal in the Men’s Double Scull at the 2008 Beijing Olympic Games.• In the World Cups leading up to the Olympic, he achieved a second in the NetherlandsWorld Cup Event.• David was the Australian Rowing captain for the Beijing Olympics.Cadel Evans Cycling• Ranked first in the Pro Tour Ranking for 2007.• Cadel finished second overall in the Tour de France for the second successive year.• In the 2008 Beijing Olympics Time Trial he placed fifth, and the Road Race he placed 15th.Grant Hackett Swimming• Grant competed in the 2008 Beijing Olympics winning silver in the 1500m freestyle and setting anOlympic record in the heats. He is one of only two swimmers to medal at three Olympic Games.• He won bronze in the 4x200m freestyle at the Beijing Olympics.• He broke the world record in the 800m freestyle at the Victorian Short Course Championships andgold in the 10km Open Water Championships.• Captain of the Australian Swimming Team.2008 VicSport Annual Awards 31

2008 VicSport Annual Victorian Awards Male Athlete of the YearAdrian Jackson Mountain Bike Orienteering• Adrian is ranked number one in the world for Mountain Bike Orienteering (MTBO). He won eachof the four WRE races in Europe in July and August, leading into the World Championships; a featnot previously achieved by any MTBO rider from any country.• He won gold in the Middle Distance race at the 2008 World MTBO Championships and achievedpodium places for the other two formats – the spring and long distance championships.PROFILE – James TomkinsJames Tomkins is one of Australia’s greatest ever rowersrepresenting Australia at six Olympics in all three sweepboats, the only Australian athlete to do so. James firstrepresented Australia internationally in 1986 at theWorld Championship in the Australian Eight and wenton to row in the 1988 Olympics where the eight finishedfourth. In 1990 the Oarsome Foursome was formed withTomkins, Nick Green, Sam Patten and Mike McKay. Thiscrew won the 1990 and 1991 World Championships andthe gold medal at the 1992 Olympics; they were able todo the same in 1996 with Drew Ginn replacing AndrewCooper.In the 2000 Olympics Drew and James decided totry the pair, however Drew injured his back before therace in Sydney and was replaced by Matthew Longand the crew went on to place third. Ginn and Tomkinsreformed for the 2004 Olympics were they won gold. Thesuccessful Athens Olympics enabled James to win theMale Athlete of the Year Award and Team of the Year Award in 2005 with Drew Ginn.Tomkins went back to the Men’s Eight for his sixth Olympics in Beijing where the crewcame sixth in the final. James turned 43 during the Olympics whilst the majority of his crewwas half his age. Tomkins was the flag bearer for the Olympics at the Opening Ceremony. Hewas also announced as Victoria’s Father of the Year for 2008.32 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Governor’s Message2008 VicSport Annual AwardsThe Governor’s Award for Sportsperson of the year commenced in 1981 by Rear Admiral Sir BrianMurray, K.C.M.G., AO. Since then it has been presented to an elite collection of our finest athleteswho represent the very best of Victorian sport.Victoria has a rich sporting culture, and this passion and commitment has had an enormous impact onthe health and well-being of our society. In this an Olympic year, with such outstanding achievementsfrom our athletes, we should all be inspired to lead more active lives. There are no barriers toparticipation, only the requirement of ambition and tenacity.Whether our sporting endeavors are recreational or professional, or if our commitment is to coachingand administration, our athletic pursuits have the ability to bring together Victoria’s diverse andmulticultural communities.I would like to congratulate all those who have been nominated for the 2008 Victorian Sports Awards.In particular I would like to acknowledge the astounding number of volunteers who contribute to sportin this State. This is an invaluable contribution to which we are all very thankful.I am very proud to be associated with this Award, which acknowledges this year’s Victorian athletewho has achieved outstanding on-field success, as well as contributing to their sport as a leader anda role model.Professor David de Kretser AC,Governor of Victoria2008 VicSport Annual Awards 33

2008 VicSport Annual Awards Governor’s AwardHistoryIn 1981 Sir Brian Murray granted VicSport permission to award the Sportsman of the Year, the‘Governor’s Award.’The Governor’s Award is presented to the Victorian athlete who has achieved outstanding sportingperformances and has also made a significant contribution to sport as a leader and role model.Previous winners2007 Glenn Ashby2006 Geoff Ogilvy2005 James Tomkins2004 Alisa Camplin2003 Sarah Fitz-Gerald2002 Alisa CamplinNote: Previous winners of the Governor’s Award winners are listed under theFrank Wilkes Male Athlete of the Year Award.PROFILE: Glenn AshbyGlenn learnt to sail on Lake Eppalock in Bendigo whichis now dry due to the drought. Glenn started sailingwhen he was ten years old and has had a lifelong dreamof sailing in the Olympics. Glenn is a competing sailorin three different classes of catamarans. He is currentlyworld champion in all three which is a world first.Glenn earned first place in six international eventsin 2006-07 against up to 80 other competitors. He alsowon the Formula 18 Australian National Championshipsin 2006 and International A Class Australian Nationalsin 2007.Going into the Beijing Olympics Glenn and sailingpartner Darren Bundock were ranked number one in theworld due to their successes in the lead up regattas.Following a tightly contested series of races they wereable to take out an Olympic silver medal.34 2008 VicSport Annual Awards

Award Panels/Staff2008 VicSport Annual AwardsVicSport would like to acknowledge the following panel members for theircontribution in selecting the recipients of the Governor’s Award for Sportsperson ofthe Year, Lord Mayors Award, Outstanding Victorian Club and the Victorian SportsLeadership – Eunice Gill Award.John HowieRon BonghettiMargot FosterCheryl McKinnaSue StanleyVicSport ChairmanVicSport Board MemberVicSport Board MemberVicSport Board MemberVicSport Board MemberVicSport would like to acknowledge the VicSport Board for their ongoing contribution and support:Leeanne Allen, Peter Burns, Ian Buckingham, Ron Bonghetti, Margot Foster, Cheryl McKinna andSue Stanley.Special thanks to outgoing CEO Kate Roffey for her contribution to VicSport over the past four years;and to John Howie, who recently stood down as Chairman after 14 years of service.In 2008, each affiliated State Sporting Association was given the opportunity to submit nominationsfor the 2008 Victorian Sport Awards in any/all categories. These nominations were then released toall State Sporting Associations for an industry vote. VicSport would like to thank all State SportingAssociations that participated in the nomination and voting process.VicSport would also like to thank the following individuals and businesses for their contribution tothe 2008 Victorian Sport Awards: Gerard Whateley, Monarch Media, Alexander Phan (presentation),Melbourne Exhibition Centre, Action Pix Photography, VF Trainor Trophies, Victorian State SportingAssociations and Affiliated Members.VicSport StaffChief Executive OfficerAnthony BowdJennifer MatthiesNisha WijesekeraAaron TenabelAmber BleechmoreKate DonEmily VigonTBCBusiness Operations ManagerEvent CoordinatorProject Officer / Event AssistantProject OfficerProject OfficerProject OfficerAccounts2008 VicSport Annual Awards 35

Influencing the sport, recreation &health agendas into the futureVicSport – Sports Federation of VictoriaLevel 3, Sports House, 375 Albert Road South Melbourne 3205Telephone: 03 9926 1376 Email: admin@vicsport.asn.auFacsimile: 03 9696 7931 Web: www.vicsport.asn.au