2010 Victorian Sport Awards Booklet - VicSport

WelcomeNovember 15, 2010Studio 3, Crown Entertainment Complex

2010 Victorian Sport Awards SummaryVictorian Junior Athlete of the YearProudly supported by Victoria UniversityVictorian Junior Team of the YearProudly supported by Victoria UniversityVictorian Masters Sport AwardProudly supported by Deakin UniversityBest Sports Development Initiative by Industry Associate /Corporate Supporter vicsport MemberProudly supported by Deakin UniversityBest Sports Development Initiative by an Affiliated vicsport MemberProudly supported by La Trobe UniversityVictorian Official of the YearProudly supported by La Trobe UniversityVictorian Coach of the YearProudly supported by OAMPSBest Reporting of an Issue Relating to Victorian SportProudly supported by OAMPSVictorian Men’s Team of the YearProudly supported by Winning EdgeVictorian Women’s Team of the YearProudly supported by Winning EdgeVicHealth Gaze Sporting Conduct AwardProudly supported by VicHealthOutstanding Contribution to Sport – Lord Mayor’s AwardProudly supported by the City of MelbourneVictorian Male Athlete of the Year – Frank Wilkes AwardProudly supported by the State Government of VictoriaVictorian Female Athlete of the Year – Kitty McEwan AwardProudly supported by the State Government of VictoriaVictorian Sports Leadership Award – Eunice Gill AwardProudly supported by the State Government of VictoriaVictorian Sportsperson of the Year – Governor’s Award22010 vicsport Annual Awards

Victorian Junior Athlete of the YearIn honour of Dame Mary Herring, vicsport presents the Award to the Victorian Junior Athleteof the Year. An elder stateswoman of the Victorian Women’s Amateur Sports Council and akeen hockey player, Dame Mary was a passionate advocate for the advancement of sport andactive participation in it.In 2010, the male and female categories have again been combined and only one athlete willbe lucky enough to win the title of Victorian Junior Athlete of the Year.Proudly Sponsored by:Previous Winners2009 Leigh Howard Cycling2008 Dylan Alcott Wheelchair BasketballGrace LohSwimming2007 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 Swimming42010 vicsport Annual Awards

Victorian Junior Athlete of the YearNominees:Imogen Jelbart (16) - Cycling• Imogen had a breakout year in 2010, becoming the most decorated junior cyclist inAustralian history. She was a member of the Victorian Junior Cyclist Track Team whichdelivered 10 gold, six silver and four bronze medals.• She claimed Gold in the Women’s U17 Sprint and Gold in the Women’s U17 Time Trial.• She also won Gold in the Women’s U17 Team Sprint in a new Australian Record.Jaden Rice (10) - BMX• Jaden is ranked 1st in Victoria in his age group, as well as being ranked first in Australia andfourth in the world. In 2010, Jaden took 1st place in the U11 boys, riding up an age class.• He also claimed first in the Money Class at Track Attack 2010.• At the Australian National Championships in Shepparton, Jaden, as the only Victorian tomake the final, dominated the race to become the 2010 national champion and two dayslater repeated his performance in the cruiser class to take the 8-10 Boys Cruiser Title.• At the 2010 World Championships in Pietermaritzburg, South Africa, Jaden won the U10Boys World Championship.Alethea Sedgman (16) - Shooting• Alethea had a great 2010 following on from her form in 2009 when she was namedWimmera Regional Sports Star Female of the Year. At the February Australia Cup, she wonGold in the Air Rifle and Silver in 3P divisions.• In 2010 she won her first Australia Cup in Women’s Air Rifle and also won Air and 3PAustralia cups. Her current Open event World Ranking sees her sitting 68th in the world inAir Rifle, which is the highest Australian Women Ranking, as well as being ranked 36th inthe world in 3P which makes her the youngest person in the top 100.Angela Donald (14) - Gymnastics• Angela won Australia’s first and only gymnastics medal with a stunning bronze medal win onbeam at the 2010 Youth Olympics. She hit 10 out of 10 routines to place seventh All Around,third Beam, fourth Bars against 42 of the world’s very best Juniors.• Angela has made history by being the first female gymnast in Australia to claim anOlympic medal. At the 2010 Australian Gymnastics Championships Angela was crowned the2010 Australian Junior International Champion - she placed first All Around, first Beam, firstBars and second Floor.• Angela also did exceptionally well at the Victorian Gymnastics Championships, where shewas crowned the 2010 Victorian State Junior International Champion – she placed first AllAround, first Beam, second Floor, third Bars and fifth Vault.• At the 2010 Pre Olympic Youth Cup (in Germany), Angela placed second All Around, firstBars, third Beam, third Vault and fourth Floor.• Angela has also been selected for a 2010 Junior AIS/Olympic/GA scholarship as well asbeing selected for a 2010 VIS Scholarship (and has held this scholarship for the pastthree years).2010 vicsport Annual Awards5

2010 Victorian Victorian Junior Sport Team Awards of the Year SummaryThis Award was introduced in 1989 as a result of the quantity and quality of teams nominatedfor the Junior Athlete Award. vicsport is proud to present this award in recognition of thecontribution and dedication young Victorians have made to team sport throughout the year.Previous WinnersProudly Sponsored by:2009 James Sly and Andrew Gilles (Sailing)2008 Victorian Junior Diving Team2007 Victorian U19 Netball Team2006 Victorian U19 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 U21 Hockey Team1999 Victorian 17 and Under Netball Team1998 Victorian Junior International Women’s Artistic Team – Gymnastics1997 Victorian School Surfing Team1996 Victorian Women’s U21 Hockey Team1995 Victorian Women’s U21 Hockey Team1994 Victoria U19 Netball Team1993 Werribee U14 Basketball Team (Boys)1992 Victorian Mirror Class 9 (Yachting)1991 Victorian Institute of Sport Table Tennis Team1990 Star Squadron Marching TeamVictorian Junior Track Cycling Team• The Victorian Junior Track Cycling Team, which features Boys U15–17 and Girls U15-17, wasawarded the Ray Godkin Shield for Champion State after finishing well clear on the medal tallywith 10 gold, six silver and four bronze medals.• There were also two Australian records set under the Men’s U17 Team Pursuit and Women‘sU17 Team Sprint respectively.Diving Victoria Junior Elite Team• The Diving Victoria Junior Elite team performed exceptionally well at this year’s Australian JuniorElite Championships winning 10 of the possible 22 gold medals, 10 silver and 9 bronze medals.This resulted in Victoria being the top state at the championships.• Anna Gelai won Junior 16/18 female diver of the year, James Connor won Junior 14/15 male diverof the year and Joshua Kehagias was beaten on count back for Junior 12/13 diver of the year.• Four divers were selected for the 10 member Diving Australia National Junior Squad for divers12-15, they are James Connor, Josh Kehagias, Scotia Mullin, and Anna-Irene Tsoukalas. This is avery talented team of young divers who are well on the way to international success.Victorian U14 Boys Metropolitan State Football (Soccer) Team• The Victorian U14 Boys Metro State Football (Soccer) team were able to secure back-to-backChampionship victories in September 2009 at the Football Federation Australia Boys NationalYouth Championships, as well as in the same tournament, the previous year. It is the first timethat this has occurred in this age category.8 2010 vicsport Annual Awards

Victorian WelcomeJunior Team of the Year• Several of the above team members have also progressed through to representing Victoria atthe U15 Boys Metro to compete at the upcoming National Championships in September 2010.Players include Keegan Coulter, James Karvelis, Dylan Murnane and Sam Shepherd.U16 Victoria Metropolitan Women’s Basketball Team• The team achieved an outstanding national performance result in July 2010, winning the 2010U16 Australian Junior Championship - resulting in the 11th consecutive gold medal for the VicMetro U16 girls at the National Championships.• The U16 Australian Junior Championship is an annual event organised by Basketball Australia.There were 14 teams from around Australia and New Zealand in the women’s competition. TheVic Metro women’s team was undefeated throughout the entire eight-day tournament and tookout the gold medal with a decisive 32-point victory against Qld South.U17 Mordialloc Female Beach Relay Team – Lifesaving• The U17 Female Beach Relay Team had a fantastic 2010, being named finalists for Team of theYear at the Lifesaving Victoria Awards of Excellence.• At the Victorian Lifesaving Championships, the team took out Gold in the U17 Female BeachRelay, the U19 Female Beach Relay as well as the Open Female Beach Relay.• They went unbeaten in the 2009-2010 season in Beach Relay for six Summer Surf Series Carnivals.• In the 2010 Australian Lifesaving Championships they won Gold in U17 Female Beach Relay.Victorian 17/U Netball Team• The Victorian 17/U Netball Team went through with an undefeated season reaching thefinals of the National Netball Championships. They went on to win the final, and hence theChampionship, with a one-goal victory over New South Wales.• The many victories of the Victorian 17/U Team has helped individual players realise theiraspirations with Kate Moloney named the 2010 San Remo 17/U MVP of the tournament inaddition to seven players gaining selection into the Australian 17/U Squad.Under 18 Women’s Hockey Team• The Victorian U18 Women’s Hockey Team are the 2010 National Champions after defeatingQueensland 4-3 in the final.• The victory is the first Gold medal for the age group since 2004, and will hopefully lead into astrong era in women’s hockey in Victoria.Melbourne Vicentre Swimming Club• From the 43 member strong team the following achievements were attained at the AustralianAge Championships:• Two Australian Age Records• Nine Gold Medals, five silver, eight bronze• 66 finals swims• Overall the club finished second in Australia at the Championships and was the highest rankedVictorian Club.• Five team members qualified for VIS Scholarships2010 vicsport Annual Awards9

Best Sports Development Initiative by IndustryAssociate / Corporate Supporter vicsport MemberThis award aims to recognise an Industry Associate vicsport Member (Local GovernmentAuthority, Universities, TAFE and School Sport Organisations, ACHPER etc.) who has createda program, project or campaign, or implemented a plan which has provided significantbenefit to Victorian Sport. Benefit to Victorian Sport could be at any level and relevantinitiatives are, but not limited to, research, education, community sport support or facilitydevelopment.Previous Winners2009 Sport and Health Education Program (SHEP)Monash UniversityProudly Sponsored by:NomineesAsset Protect – JLT Sport• Asset Protect is a unique insurance solution designed by JLT Sportspecifically for local sporting clubs. The solution protects club’sassets including training and playing equipment, canteen stock, piewarmers, stoves, fridges, honour boards and any other asset a clubowns.• In 2010 the Worksafe VCFL partnered with JLT Sport to deliver Asset Protect to all countryfootball/netball clubs. The clubs benefited in several significant ways: For the first timecommunity clubs have access to a type of policy coverage usually reserved only for largecommercial businesses. Due to the bulk purchase approach, clubs enjoy $15,000 of protectionpaying only a $220 premium. No time or effort was required of volunteer club administrators.• It is estimated that Asset Protect has saved country football/netball clubs in excess of$1,000,000 in 2010 when compared to the equivalent level of cover charged at retail rates.• At the beginning of the 2010 football season the Worksafe VCFL made a decision to add AssetProtect to the other insurance policies of the established Risk Protection Program. This meantthe assets of all 550 football clubs in country Victoria became insured simply through theprocess of affiliating with their League.Umpire Academy – Eastern Football League• During the 2009 football season the Eastern Football League (EFL) grew concerned that ashortfall of young junior field umpires were embracing the challenges that senior footballbrings. In his part time role as Head of Umpiring, Cameron Nash began more personalisedtraining and an accelerated development pathway for umpires, aged 17-25 that showedpotential and a strong commitment to umpiring.• Towards the end of 2009 a summer squad training was established to help fast track umpiresfor season 2010. Thirteen umpires aged between 17 and 22 were put through a 12 weektraining program with a professional running coach and exercise physiologist.• Each of these umpires established themselves in 2010 as regular senior match day field umpires.Two umpires debuted in Division One in round one of the 2010 season and a further six havesince emerged as regular umpires of the EFL’s division one competition.• In total a record 32 umpires officiated in Division One senior football in season 2010. With theleague requiring just 12 field umpires each week in this division this is a very positive result, 23of the 32 are aged 25 years or under and 14 of the 23 are aged between 17 & 20 years.• In 2010 the EFL provided more umpires for more games than any other Victorian AustralianFootball competition.2010 vicsport Annual Awards11

Best Sports Development Initiative by IndustryAssociate / Corporate Supporter vicsport MemberVolunteer Opportunities – Sportspeople• Volunteers make an important and lasting contribution to the grass roots level of sport.Sportspeople acknowledges the enormous contribution these people make to the sportcommunity, recognizing that most sporting organisations could not sustain their service levelswithout them. Sportspeople also recognises there are many other people working at thecommunity sport level where a small honorarium payment is enough to keep them involved.• That’s why we have developed the new categories of Community Sport, Volunteer and Intern/Traineeships to sit alongside the professional career opportunities at the Sportspeople JobsMarket. Until now, there has been no cost-effective place to advertise these important roles.• Sportspeople defines a Community Sport role as follows: a person provides a service with alocal, community sport organisation and in return they receive a payment. Some roles mightbe full-time but most are part-time, casual and seasonal.• Since its launch in late 2009, more than 375 Community Sport, Volunteer and Intern/Traineeship positions have been advertised free of charge at the Sportspeople Jobs Market,providing access to over 150,000 visitors per month.Water Women – Monash Sport• Water Women is a Learn to Swim program for females ages 16 years and older.• The Water Women program aims to develop water awareness, familiarisation and strokedevelopment to participants in a friendly environment.• The program has trained female lifeguards, and has friendly qualified, experienced female swimteachers at all sessions.• The Water Women program recognises the cultural differences that prevent some women fromparticipating in Learn to Swim lessons and/or recreational swimming.• The program was started by a student-run club called Students Teaching English to our World(STEW). STEW aims to empower migrants and refugees through education and does this byproviding free one-on-one English tutoring and group conversation classes.• Many of STEW’s students have little to no swimming skills or water awareness and it was feltthat learning to swim would be a creative avenue to teach and practice English. STEW waspresented with a unique opportunity when they were approached by an Austswim qualifiedinstructor who wanted to use her specific skill set in a volunteer capacity.GameOn 2010 – OnSide Victoria• Sustainable program development inspired OnSide Victoria (OSV) to develop the concept andaction the GameOn program to address and engage the growing diverse community within theGreater Dandenong region• GameOn 2010 is part of OnSide Victoria’s Life Skills through Sport. The program supported byVicHealth aims to engage a region’s culturally and socio-economically diverse demographicto participate and engage with cultural groups and State and local sporting organisations todevelop social cohesion. State sporting associations involved in the 2010 event included:tennis, volleyball, basketball, netball, soccer, Australian football, baseball, rugby and cricket.• Successes – Increased understanding of the role of sport/active recreation in promotingdiversity, social inclusion, positive health and well being; increased understanding of thebarriers and enablers to participation for disadvantaged groups; collected data for projectevaluation and future initiatives. Increased DIRECT and INDIRECT participation opportunitiesfor disadvantaged groups by building individual, organisational and community capacity;provided opportunities for young people to interact with positive role models and provided avehicle to actively promote and develop community and sporting club links.12 2010 vicsport Annual Awards

Best Sports Development Initiative by anAffiliated Welcomevicsport MemberThis new award aims to recognise an Affiliated vicsport Member (State Sports Association,Regional Sports Assembly) who has created a program, project or campaign, or implementeda plan which has provided significant benefit to Victorian Sport. Relevant initiatives are, butnot limited to, research, recruiting or retention programs (mainstream or minority groups),education, facility development or talent pathway development.Previous Winners2009 Backyard Rugby ProgramVictorian Rugby UnionProudly Sponsored by:NomineesSocial Responsibility Education Program – AFL Victoria & Northern Football League• In 2010 the Northern Football League (NFL), in conjunction with AFL Victoria, initiated anEducation Program on social responsibility to players of NFL Clubs at the U15-17 and Seniorlevels. The programs impact has had an enormous effect on the NFL Clubs, playing personnel,and committee members. It has been a huge success in educating them on issues such asacceptable social behavior, effects of bullying, drugs and alcohol, binge drinking, violence–domestic and public, depression, drink driving, enjoying environments that are for all nomatter the culture, gender or level of person and the importance and inclusion of Women inFootball Clubs.Sustaining Gippsland & Developing South-West Victoria - Basketball Victoria• Basketball Victoria’s “Sustaining Gippsland and Developing South-West Victoria” project wascentered around auditing affiliated Associations in Gippsland and South-West Victoria anddeveloping Strategic Plans that linked to Basketball Victoria’s Strategic Plan. The majority ofthese Associations did not plan for their future, with no Business Plan, let alone a StrategicPlan in place; they existed on a day-to-day basis with a focus on the basketball competition.• Associations have now been able to see that even if Committees/personnel change, thedirective remains the same for the life of the plan. They understand the importance ofpartnerships to assist with the achievement of strategies and the building of relationships withlocal Council. Most importantly, they know that Basketball Victoria and Basketball VictoriaCountry are available to assist them to achieve their vision.Dive Recorder – Diving Victoria• Andrew Fisher, a volunteer with Diving Victoria, has implemented an online competitionsystem using a program developed in the UK called Dive Recorder. Diving Victoria was oneof the first in the world and the first in Australia to implement a fully online competitionmanagement system from entry through to the results of the competition being streamed livevia the internet. This created an amazing boost for the professionalism and efficient running ofall competitions, saving days of previously required data entry.• All events are run electronically with results streamed live to the host site for results straightaway. These can then be sent to media as required simply via email direct from the site. Thiswill soon be accompanied by live video as well, which will be a first in Australia.• Clubs are also able to access all their information and divers information from the pool deckat their club. They’ll be able to send entries and dive sheets direct via the website, no longerhaving to drive in or post dive sheets days and at times weeks before an event, as they are allreceived electronically.2010 vicsport Annual Awards13

Best Sports Development Initiative by anAffiliated vicsport Member (cont.)Multicultural Program for Women – Football Federation Victoria• In 2007, Football Federation Victoria (FFV) identified the need for a physical activity programfor young women from multicultural backgrounds that would also address their cultural andreligious beliefs.• FFV developed crucial relationships with the young women’s families to help explain theimportant role sport can play in their lives. With significant barriers to participation identifiedincluding; lack of money, the need for uniforms and transport issues, FFV was committed tocreating a program that was accessible and sustainable for the participants.• Participants take part in training on a weekly basis with qualified coaches. The objective ofeach program is to not only introduce and further develop the skills of the young women butto also provide a comfortable environment where they can feel safe.• The popularity of these programs saw the state-wide working groups come together tolook at providing a ‘real’ competition for the young women to play in. This resulted in thedevelopment of the “All Nations Women’s Cup”.• Currently, 19 participants from these programs are now involved in club football, with twoparticipants having been selected in the Victorian Champions League - FFV’s elite competition.Participants in these programs have also been exposed to other opportunities to becomeinvolved in football. Courses have been offered in coaching and refereeing with an estimated14 players completing the referee’s course and 8 completing the Grassroots coaching course.Swimming with a Purpose Program (SWAP) – Swimming Victoria• Swimming Victoria’s SWAP-Swimmers with a Purpose Program, provides an opportunity forpeople with disability to participate in an eight-week swimming program in various locationsacross Melbourne.• The program is designed to increase fitness and swimming technique in a friendly andwelcoming environment, open to people of all abilities, ages and sexes. They cater forindividual needs, with the opportunity to progress to Club swimming, and beyond.• The main aims of the initiative are: Development of an inclusive environment and awarenessraising of the importance of community inclusion, up skilling of Swimming Victoria Coachesand Learn to Swim teachers at aquatic facilities, development of community members anddevelopment of inclusive policies and practices at clubs and aquatic facilities.• Positive outcomes that have occurred as a result of this initiative include: Inclusiveenvironments, integration of community members, friendship, community development andsocial skills.The Boatshed at Albert Park – Yachting Victoria• The Boatshed at Albert Park was established by Yachting Victoria. It specifically targets youngpeople, and provides innovative and widely recognised promotion of the sport of sailing asaffordable accessible, safe and fun.• Yachting Victoria’s objectives with the Boatshed are to develop and deliver programs that arekids centric and focus on safe fun based participation, provide a leadership model to memberclubs and to be a centre of excellence in the training of instructors.• The Boatshed delivers a strong message of the affordability and accessibility of sailing and tothe entire community. In each of its first two years of operations it has had over 3000 peoplefrom over 50 schools participate in various programs.• The Sailability program in particular has been an outstanding success with a committed team ofvolunteers providing over 1500 people with disabilities a sailing experience in the last year.14 2010 vicsport Annual Awards

Victorian Official of the YearIntroduced in 2000, the vicsport Victorian Official of the Year is awarded to the official whohas best demonstrated excellence in officiating in their chosen sport.Prior to 2006, the award honoured multiple worthy officials representing a variety of sports.In 2006, the decision was made to select one exceptional official to stand as the overallwinner of the Victorian Official of the Year.Previous Winners2009 Kellie Knight Basketball2008 Michael Aylen Basketball2007 Judith Barnsby Hockey2006 Barbara Morgan Life SavingProudly Sponsored by:NomineesAllan Holmes - Lifesaving• Allan was named 2010 AOE Lifesaving Victoria Official of the Year.• He was the 2009-2010 Lifesaving Victoria Chief Referee, as well as the 2010 VictorianLifesaving Championship Chief Referee.• Allan was also the 2009-2010 Summer Surf Series Chief Official.• He has a raft of qualifications including Surf Official Level 2, Surf Official Level 1, AssessorSurf Official Level 2, Training Officer Bronze Medallion, Provide Emergency Care, CertificateII in Public Safety, Advanced Resuscitation Certificate and Participate in an Aquatic RescueOperation.Danielle Pascoe - Sailing• In June 2010 Danielle became Australia’s second ever female National Judge at the age ofjust 21.• She travelled to Largs in Scotland for the Laser Radial men and women’s WorldChampionships, followed by the Laser Radial Youth World Championship in July 2010. Afterthose events Danielle spent part of August 2010 in China for the Hobie 16 Worlds.• In recognition of her achievement and as assistance to her further development Danielle isthe recipient of a Sport Leadership Grant and Scholarship for Women from the AustralianSports Commission and the Office for Women.Margaret Lang - Swimming• Margaret Lang has been awarded the Swimming Victoria Official of the Year for 2010- Bill Slade award.• She is level 2 Referee on the NOP. She is also qualified in the following positions: Timekeeperand Chief Timekeeper, Marshall, Recorder, Check Starter, Inspector of Turns, Judge of Stroke.• Margaret has been involved in educating, mentoring, presenting workshops for officials andaccreditation of officials, and she is an excellent role model to all officials.2010 vicsport Annual Awards15

Victorian Official of the Year (cont.)Mark Gooding - Baseball• Mark Gooding was been recognised for the Baseball Victoria Umpire of the Year for an amazingthird time in 2009-10.• The award is voted by the Club Coaches and is a combination of Best Ball/Strike Umpire,Best Game Manager and Best Overall Umpire.• Mark is currently the Director of Umpiring for Baseball Victoria, a position he has held for thepast eight years.Michael Aylen - Basketball• Michael is a FIBA qualified referee, and was named the 2009-10 NBL Referee of the Year.• In the 2009-10 season, he refereed all three NBL Championship games.• Michael was also selected to Referee at the 2010 FIBA World Championships in Turkey.Michelle De Highden - Gymnastics• Michelle holds the highest coaching qualification available (Level 3) in women’s gymnastics andshe also holds current first aid, sports trainer and a PE degree.• Michelle has been a member of the Gymnastics Australia Women’s Gymnastics Commissionfor the past eight years. She has designed, tested, reviewed and implemented the StrengthDevelopment resource that is to be released to all clubs/programs.• She is a member of the Victorian Elite Advisory committee which was formed to develop andadvise on all issues pertaining to international stream gymnastics in Victoria.Richard Lawysz - Athletics• Richard holds the top level national officiating accreditation in a number of disciplines andin late 2009 he was invited by the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF)to travel to France and sit for the International Technical Official’s exam – which he didsuccessfully. He is now one of five officials in Australia to hold this qualification.• Richard still officiates on a regular basis at Geelong in Athletics Victoria Shield Competition.• In his role as Education Officer, Richard travels throughout the State in his own time to deliverofficials education sessions which are open to all comers. In the past 12 months, Richard hassingle-handedly been responsible for the education and assessment of more than 250 AthleticsAustralia Level C Officials in Victoria.Rod Florence - Rowing• Rod Florence has attended 25 regatta days this season and has also completed a significantamount of work around umpire recruitment and qualification.• Rod is exploring the boundaries to create more umpires in the sport and has continued to workon succession planning for umpires in the sport.• Rod pays his way to regatta’s including accommodation, travel expenses and time. This isremarkable ask for his involvement in the sport.Victorian Coach ofthe Year162010 vicsport Annual Awards

Victorian Coach of the YearThis award was first presented in 1994 to celebrate the Australian Coaching Council’spromotion of the ‘1994 Year of the Coach’. The tradition is continued with the 2010 vicsportaward for Victorian Coach of the Year, acknowledging outstanding coaching contributions.Previous Winners2009 Greg Shipperd Cricket2008 Rohan Taylor Swimming2007 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 RowingProudly Sponsored by:NomineesGuy Molloy - Basketball• Guy Molloy was appointed the Head Coach of the Australian U17 Men’s Team that recentlycompeted at the 2010 FIBA U17 World Championships in Hamburg, Germany.• The Australian Team finished a credible sixth following a successful tournament where theysplit their games with a 4/4 win/loss record. A highlight of the Men’s Tournament wasAustralian’s game against the highly favoured Chinese team, with Australia winning by 2 points• Guy is currently the Elite Program Manager at the Ballarat Basketball Association and HeadCoach of the Ballarat Miners in the SEABL. A highly successful coach at the junior and seniorlevel, Molloy has guided Victorian teams to three successive U18 National Championships.• Guy presented the ninth annual Tasman Coaching Clinic at the Australian Country JuniorBasketball Cup in January to approximately 100 junior coaches from around regional Australia.Ian Pope - Swimming• Ian’s coaching qualifications are Level 3 - Gold Licence with a Platinum Award (the highestlevel possible in Australia). He is a prominent member of the Victorian Development Program.• Ian has won the Australian Swimming Coaches and Teachers Association (ascta) “VictorianCoach of the Year” Award 10 times since 1998, including 2010, as well as the ascta “NationalCoach of the Year” in 2003 & 2004.• Ian’s top performing athlete Marieke Guehrer won Gold in the 50m Butterfly at the 2010Pan Pacific Championships, and the 2009 FINA World Championships, where she set a newCommonwealth record.• Melbourne Vicentre, led by Ian and his coaching team, have also performed extremely well atthe Australian Championship level. Club results from the 2009/10 Australian Championshipevents were: 2010 Australian Short Course Championships, July 2010 (Brisbane) - MelbourneVicentre finished 3rd on Club Points score (second Victorian Club); 2010 Australian AgeChampionships, April 2010 (Sydney) - Melbourne Vicentre finished 2nd on Club Point score(first Victorian Club); 2010 Australian Championships, March 2010 (Sydney) - MelbourneVicentre finished third on Club Points score (second Victorian Club).2010 vicsport Annual Awards17

Victorian Coach of the Year (cont.)John Hart - Gymnastics• John has been named the Waverley Gymnastics Elite Coach of the year - 2007, 2008, 2009,2010. In 2010, John coached the Senior and Junior Australian Champions.• John had his gymnast Georgia Bonora selected to the 2010 Commonwealth Games Team andwas selected himself as a 2010 Commonwealth Games Gymnastics Team Coach.• John had his gymnast Angela Donald selected as the sole WG representative of Australia andOceania at the 2010 Youth Olympics. Angela made Australian gymnastics history winning abronze medal on beam and placing 7th AA and 4th Bars against the 42 best juniors in the world.• John was the Victorian Senior Team coach at the 2010 National Championships that wonthe Australian title. John’s gymnasts won the Junior International and Senior International AllAround Victorian State titles as well as the Junior/Senior International team Victorian State title.Margaret Lind - Netball• In 2010, Margaret coached the Falcons to their third consecutive premiership to becomethe most successful club competing in Victoria’s premier netball competition, the VNL. TheHume City Falcons claimed all three minor premierships, winning consecutive titles in both theChampionship, and 19 and under Divisions.• She is also the current Head Netball Coach at both Williamstown High School andMarybyrnong Secondary College, enjoying success taking out the 2010 Waverley InternationalSchools tournament with Williamstown in both the Senior and Junior Divisions as well as takingout the 2010 VSSSA State Championships with Williamstown Senior Division.Phil Dale - Baseball• Phil Dale has shown himself to be a truly outstanding coach, outlasting the test of time withdual championship winning performances in 2009-10.• In the 2009-10 season, Phil was the Head Coach of both the Waverley Wildcats Baseball Clubin the Baseball Victoria Division 1 State League and the Victoria Aces in the Claxton Shieldnational competition; both teams winning their respective championships titles. As a result Philwas voted the Baseball Victoria Coach of the Year for 2009-10.Scott Ivey - Lifesaving• Scott coached Williamstown IRB Team and the Victorian IRB Team, winning championships witheach on his way to being named 2010 Lifesaving Victoria Coach of the Year.• At the 2010 Australian Lifesaving Championships he coached Williamstown to win Gold infive events, as well as coaching them to Gold in seven events at the 2010 TRE Victorian IRBChampionships.• At the 2010 SLSA IRB Interstate Championships, he coached Victoria to the 2nd overall team inAustralia, as well as bringing home Gold in four events.Simon Baker - Athletics• Simon is one of Australia’s pre-eminent race walking coaches. He is highly regarded in bothnational and international coaching ranks, and has developed and guided the junior careers ofmany of the Australia’s most talented junior race walkers. Under the Athletics Australia CoachAccreditation Framework, Simon is a Level 5 (Race Walking) Coach.• Some of the Victorian athletes Simon coaches have enjoyed great success in 2010,most notably: Jess Rothwell - 2010 World Race Walking Cup in Chihuahua, Mexico, (ninth – Bestplaced Australian), selected to Australian Commonwealth Games Team; and Beth Alexander -2010 Racewalking World Cup U20 10km rep - 12th (First Australian), 2010 1st Vic U20 5000mtrack champ, 2010 1st Aust U20 10000m track champ, 2010 1st Vic U20 10km roadwalk.18 2010 vicsport Annual Awards

Award for Best Reporting of an issuerelating Welcome to Victorian SportThis award aims to recognise exceptional reporting of a Victorian Sport related Issue. Theaward will be presented to a journalist (from all forms of media) who has reported one ormore stories on a single issue associated with Victorian Sport. Background research, impactand public benefit will be taken into account and ‘Victorian Sport Issues’ will not includeathlete injuries and general match, competition or event reports.Previous Winners2009 Peter Hanlon (The Age)Proudly Sponsored by:NomineesDan Silkstone – The Age• Dan covered issues such as the Crawford review of Australian sport, which has been thesporting issue of most lasting importance during the past year. He also led coverage of claimsthat Australia’s Olympic legacy and future were under threat.Matt Thompson – SEN• Matt provided radio coverage of the Melbourne Storm salary cap breaches when theyhappened, and provided insights into the players and coaches reactions.Scott Gullen – Herald Sun• Scott covered the Matthew Stokes drug claim issue, providing the Herald Sun with an in depththree-page article spread on one of the most talked about incidents in 2010.Samantha Lane – The Age• Samantha wrote articles for The Age in relation to women in sport. She covered women in AFLon how the sport is growing and developing within the cultural sporting sector.2010 vicsport Annual Awards19

Victorian Men’s Team of the YearThe Victorian Men’s Team of the Year Award was introduced in 1985 to provide recognitionfor outstanding performances by Victorian men’s sporting teams.Previous Winners2009 Victorian Bushrangers – Cricket2008 Victorian Track Cycling2007 Melbourne Victory – Soccer2006 Victorian King’s Cup Crew2005 Men’s Coxless Pairs Rowing Team2004 Victorian Bushrangers Cricket Team2003 C2 Team - Canoeing2002 Glenn Singleton & Piers Christiansen – Kayak2001 Tom King & Mark Turnball – Yachting2000 VIS Men’s Cycling Team1999 Australia/Victorian Coxed Four – Rowing1998 City of Melbourne Table Tennis Team1997 Men’s Coxless Four – Rowing1996 VIS Men’s Volleyball Team1995 “Booze Less” North Melbourne Giants - Basketball1994 Australian Marathon Men’s Canoe TeamProudly Sponsored by:NomineesVictorian Men’s Youth (U23) Eight - Rowing• The Victorian Men’s Youth Eight comes together to compete only once each year at theAustralian Championship and Interstate Regatta. They have won the Interstate Men’s YouthEights race for the past three consecutive years, including victory in 2010.Victorian Bushrangers - Cricket• Victoria once again made all three possible senior men’s interstate competition finals, for anunprecedented 3rd year in succession, with DEC Bushrangers taking out the Sheffield Shield(back to back wins) and Twenty20 Big Bash (the fourth title in five years).• The Bushrangers made the semi-finals of the 2009 Champions League Twenty20 in India (theinaugural competition) as well re-qualifying for the world competition again in 2010.Williamstown Swimming & Lifesaving Club IRB Team• Williamstown Swimming & Lifesaving Club IRB Team had a fantastic year, winning the 2010 LifeSaving Victoria Team of the Year award.• They were the overall point score winners at 2010 Australian IRB Championships, the 2010Victorian IRB Lifesaving Championships, and all three Life Saving Victoria TRE IRB Carnivals forseason 2009-2010.Victoria Aces - Baseball• After starting the year with a 4-4 win loss record, the Victoria Aces went on to end the yearwinning 13 of their final 16 games. This included a season sweep of the Queensland Rams andtaking five out of six games against the reigning Claxton Shield champions Perth Heat.• The Victoria Aces went on to win their 22nd title, with victory in the 2010 season.20 2010 vicsport Annual Awards

Victorian Women’s Team of the YearThis Award was introduced in 1985 to provide recognition for outstanding performances byVictorian women’s sporting teams.Previous WinnersProudly Sponsored by:2009 Melbourne Vixens – Netball2008 Victorian Fury Netball Team2007 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 Cricket2002 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 – Rowing1997 Melbourne Waverley Pumas – Netball1996 Victorian Kayak Team1995 State Golf TeamNomineesVictorian Fury - Netball• The Victorian Fury dominated the Australian Netball League’s 2009 season, claiming backto back titles after remaining undefeated in two years of competition. The team establishedthemselves as a benchmark for excellence within the intensely competitive national league.• The success of the Fury team has seen individuals accomplish great things:• Kathleen Knott was named the 2009 ‘New Idea’ Australian Netball League Player of the Year• Three players signed contracts with the Melbourne Vixens for the 2010 ANZ ChampionshipSeason• Three players were called up during the 2010 ANZ Championships for the Melbourne Vixens• Two players were awarded 2010 Australian Institute of Sport Scholarships• Three players gained selection to the 2010 Australian 19 and under teamVictorian National Level 10 Team - Gymnastics• The 2010 Victorian National Level 10 Team won the Australian Team Title at the 2010Australian Gymnastics Championships.• Not only did the team win (first place) but the Victorian gymnasts making up this teamindividually took out three of the four apparatus National titles.• It is also worth noting that this entire team also dominated the awards at the 2010 VictorianState Championships, with every Victorian title on offer, taken out by members of thisVictorian team.• Rachel Figgis – Victorian All Around, Bars & Floor Champion(first All Around, first Bars & first Floor)• Meagan Silvers – Victorian Beam Champion (first Beam)• Tayla Dinuccio – Victorian Vault Champion (first Vault)• Meagan Silvers & Alicia Brown - Victorian Team Champions (first Team)2010 vicsport Annual Awards21

Victorian Women’s Team of the Year (cont.)Victorian Women’s Eight - Rowing• The Victorian Women’s Eight come together to compete only once each year at the AustralianChampionship & Interstate Regatta. This year, the Victorian Women’s Eight won the InterstateWomen’s Eights race - ‘The Queen’s Cup’.• Team members included – Joanna Gray, Jessica Hill, Kim Crow, Sophie Robson, Pauline Frasca,Robyn Selby Smith, Emily Martin, Phoebe Stanley, Lizzie Patrick (Cox), David Colvin (Coach)and Bill Tait (Coach).VicSpirit - Cricket• The VicSpirit Cricket team made the final in both national competitions; Women’s NationalCricket League (WNCL) and the Women’s National Cricket League Twenty20 (WNCL T20)competition.• The team won the WNCL T20 competition defeating NSW at the Adelaide Oval.• They finished on top of the points table in the WNCL competition and hosted the final at theMCG where the team finished runners up.• VicSpirit player Sarah Elliott was named the WNCL player of the year.• In addition to this, six VicSpirit players as well as the coach represented Australia in the ICCWomen’s Twenty20 World Cup where Australia won.• Six VicSpirit players have also been named in the 2010-11 Australian Women’s Team Squad.Women’s Olympic Aerial Skiing Team• The all-Victorian Australian Ladies Aerial Skiing Olympic Team made history in 2010 when theybecame the most successful Australian Team at a Winter Olympic Games.• 3 team members qualified for the finals of the 2010 Vancouver Olympic Winter Games, and thisbrought results of an Olympic Gold medal win, fifth place and 12th place.• All three Australian Olympians in the final produced a personal best at the 2010 OlympicWinter Games.• The team also recorded eight top 10 World Cup results including five top five efforts, leadinginto the Olympic Games.All Victorian team members included: Lydia Lassila, Jacqui Cooper, Bree Munro and Liz Gardner.222010 vicsport Annual Awards

VicHealth Gaze Sporting Conduct AwardVicHealth is pleased to announce the establishment of the VicHealth Gaze Sporting ConductAward. This award aims to acknowledge individual achievements demonstrating exemplarysporting conduct and increase the focus on the importance of further developing goodconduct within the sports setting. The VicHealth Gaze Award is committed to establishinga program recognising and rewarding exemplar role models who demonstrate outstandingsportsmanship in both attitudes and behaviours.Proudly Sponsored by:2010 vicsport Annual Awards23

Lord Mayor’s Award forOutstanding Contribution to SportAs long standing supporters of the Victorian Sport Awards, the City of Melbourne presentsan award representative of the prestige and value of sport in Victoria at the highest level.As a result, the “Victorian Outstanding Contribution to Sport – Lord Mayor’s Award” ispresented to an individual or organisation in recognition of outstanding achievement in, orcontribution to sport in Victoria. Winners of the Lord Mayor’s Award are selected by a panelof industry representatives and are chosen based on their significant role in the Victoriansport and active recreation sector.Previous Winners2009 Ron Barassi2008 Doug Fox2007 Catherine Freeman2006 Peter Norman2005 Judy Patching2004 James Barry2003 Susan Holmes2002 Joyce Brown2001 Steve Moneghetti2000 Lindsay Gaze1999 VicHealth1998 Dr Frank PykeProudly Sponsored by:24 2010 vicsport Annual Awards

Message from the State Government of VictoriaCongratulations to all the nominees, finalists and winners at the 2010 VictorianSport Awards.The awards recognise excellence right across the sport and recreation sector, promotingthe many areas of special achievement by athletes, coaches, officials and clubadministrators.This year’s nominees are outstanding role models who have each made a significantcontribution to sport and recreation in Victoria.Each nominee has made a positive impact on their club, local community, as well astheir chosen sport.Celebrating these achievements reinforces the enormous contribution of sport andrecreation in Victoria.Firstly, there’s the pride we all feel from the success of our superstars. LydiaLassila’s inspirational Winter Olympics gold medal in aerial skiing, and shot putterBenn Harradine’s huge throw to become the first Indigenous field athlete to win aCommonwealth Games gold, are good examples of how elite athletes can inspire us allto get more active.Sport also creates opportunities for social contact, improves well-being and healthoutcomes for individuals and plays a vital role in reducing the economic and socialimpact of chronic diseases like diabetes.These awards also highlight the vital role played by vicsport in developing andsupporting the sport and recreation sector across the state, encouraging best practice,as well as helping meet the ever-changing needs of the sector.Congratulations to vicsport on staging another great awards event; it’s fantasticto see these outstanding individual and collective contributions to sport receive theacknowledgement they deserve.On behalf of the State Government of Victoria.2010 vicsport Annual Awards25

Victorian Male Athlete of the YearThis Award acknowledges and celebrates outstanding sporting achievements by a Victorianmale athlete. The award has been named after the Hon. Frank Wilkes, and is awarded to theVictorian male athlete who has achieved outstanding results in respect to their performancesat an international, national or state level.Previous Winners2009 Glen Ashby Sailing2008 Cadel Evans Cycling2007 Cadel Evans Cycling2006 Craig Mottram Athletics2005 James Tomkins Rowing2004 Baden Cooke Cycling2003 Matthew Welsh Swimming2002 Matthew Welsh Swimming2001 Michael Klim Swimming2000 Cadel Evans CyclingAaron Baddeley Golf1999 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 Glenn Thurlow Water SkiingProudly Sponsored by:NomineesCadel Evans - Cycling• In 2009-2010, Cadel Evans became Australia’s first ever professional World Champion winningthe 2009 UCI Road Championships in Mendrisio.• 2010 saw Evans join an elite group of cyclists who have won all three leaders jerseys; theMaglia Rosa leaders jersey at the Giro d’Italia in 2002, the Yellow leaders jersey for four daysin the 2008 Tour de France, and the Gold leaders jersey in 2009 in the Vuelta a Espana.• He also held the Yellow jersey for stage nine of the 2010 Tour de France.• Other success in 2009 – 2010: third Vuelta a Espana – Overall GC; first GC Vuelta a Espana –stage 8th; first Criterium du Dauphine Libere – Stage 1; first Points Competition Criterium duDauphine Libere; second Criterium du Dauphine Libere – Overall GC; second Coppi-Bartali –Overall GC and first Giro d’Italia – Stage 7th.262010 vicsport Annual Awards

Victorian Male Athlete of the YearAdrian Jackson - Orienteering• Adrian Jackson has represented Australia in the Australian MTBO Team at the WorldChampionships in MTBO in 2004, 2005, 2007, 2008, 2009, and again in 2010. In total he haswon nine medals in six World Championships. At the 2010 World Champs he claimed Gold inthe Sprint, and Silver in both the Middle Distance and Long Distance.• Adrian was named Orienteering Australia ‘Athlete of the Year’ which is awarded to the mostoutstanding orienteer who is an Australian World Championship representative in either Eliteor Junior - Foot Orienteering or Mountain Bike Orienteering.• Adrian is ranked number one in Australia as well as number number 1 in the world followinghis outstanding performances at the World Mountain Bike Orienteering Championshipsin Portugal.Dale Begg-Smith - Skiing• Dale Begg-Smith became Australia’s most successful ever winter sports athlete at theVancouver 2010 Olympic Winter Games, adding a silver medal to his extensive collection.• The 25-year-old skier gained some consolation for missing the gold by going on to finishranked number one in the world. Dale also won his fourth World Cup title in 2010. Hecollected three victories for the season and another three podium placings to equal the WorldCup Championship record. Dale was awarded the Ski and Snowboard Australia OutstandingAchievement Award in 2010.Darryl George - Baseball• In 2009-10 as a 17-year-old, Darryl has matured as one of the State’s great all round players.His season statistics reflect his outstanding season with a pitching Earned Run Average (ERA)of 0.97 and a batting average of .448. Darryl won the Baseball Victoria Division 2 Best Player(R.R. Hindson Medal), Best Batter and Best Pitcher Awards for the 2009-10 season.• Darryl played an important role at the Werribee Giants Baseball Club this season, hisversatility and commitment helped Werribee to one of its most successful seasonssubsequently promoting the club from Division 2 into Division 1. Darryl’s career has seen himsigned to a professional contract with the MLB Tampa Bay Rays. He will attend spring trainingin the USA at the commencement of the 2011 season.David Crawshay - Rowing• At the 2010 Australian Rowing Championships & Interstate Regatta, David notched up firstplace victories in both the Open Men’s Double Scull and the Interstate Men’s Single Scull,while finishing in second place in the Open Men’s Single Scull.• At the Victoria State Championships, David claimed victory in both Open Men’s Single Sculland the Open Men’s Double Scull. David also competed at the 2010 World Cup 2 and WorldCup 3, finishing fourth and fifth respectively. He was also named the FISA (InternationalFederation of Rowing Associations) athlete for April 2010.Jin Jeong - Golf• In 2010 Jin won the British Amateur Golf Championship, one of the oldest and most covetedtitles in world amateur golf. Only one Australian has ever previously achieved this feat.• As an immediate follow-up, he then finished leading amateur and tied for 14th overall in the2010 British Open Championship. He also became the 2010 Riversdale Cup Champion bywinning the major 72-hole National Amateur Event.• He was also Runner-up at the 2010 Australian Men’s Amateur Stroke Play Championship.• He is now ranked the number one amateur golfer in the world .2010 vicsport Annual Awards27

Victorian Male Athlete of the Year (cont.)Jonathan Neate - Sailing• Jonathon Neate is the International Contender World Champion. He started sailing a Contenderfour years ago and has quickly risen through the class to become one of the top sailors.• In July 2009 Jonathon travelled to Sonderborg in Denmark for another Worlds and finished insecond place to seven-time World Champion and legendary Contender sailor Andrea Bonezzi.• Just six months later in January 2010 Jonathon became International Contender WorldChampion when the event was held in Brisbane, this time beating Bonezzi.Luke Doerner - Hockey• Luke enjoyed a season of highlights, top scoring in all three major international Men’s Hockeytournaments. Luke won Gold in the following tournaments: 2009 Champions Trophy; 2010World Cup; 2010 Champions Trophy. Luke hit the winning goal over Germany in the 2010 WorldCup and led the Victorian Vikings to a successful Australian Hockey League campaign in 2010.Luke Harper - Lifesaving• Luke is a VIS scholarship holder, as well as a 2010 SLSA National High Performance Squadmember and a Victorian High Performance Squad member. At the 2010 SLSA Australian PoolLifesaving Championships, Luke won Gold in the 50m Manikin Carry, as well as Gold in the100m Individual Medley.• At the 2010 Victorian Pool Lifesaving Championships, Luke claimed Gold in the Open Men’sSwimming with Obstacles, as well as taking home an additional three silver medals and onebronze. He was also a 2010 Victorian Interstate Team Member.Matt Dellavedova - Basketball• Over the past 12 months Matthew was part of the U19 Australian Emus and was then selectedto represent the Senior Team, the Boomers for the 2010 FIBA World Championships. He wasnamed captain of the Emus, who achieved a Silver Medal at the FIBA Oceania Championships.• Matthew also in the last 12 months has achieved a Scholarship to St Mary’s College inCalifornia USA and assisted their College Senior team into the Final 16 in the prestigious NCAAChampionships on his way to gaining selection in the Freshman Conference All-star Five.Michael Barlow - Australian Football• At the end of 2009, Michael was awarded with the Fothergill-Round Medal for most promisingyoung player in the VFL. He was also the Liston Medal runner-up and was named in the VFLteam of the year. Michael was drafted to Fremantle in the 2010 rookie draft, and collected themost possessions on debut since Champion Data started collecting statistics in 1992.• In his first Derby, Michael won the Ross Glendinning Medal for a best on ground display. Heaveraged an impressive 26 disposals, five tackles and one goal per game in his debut season.Neil Robertson - Snooker• Neil became only the second Australian since 1952 to become the World Snooker Champion.Winner of five world ranking events in five years, Neil completed the 2009-2010 Main Tourwith an emphatic victory at the World Snooker Championship. Neil began the 2009-2010season winning his fourth professional ranking title, the 2009 Grand Prix, joining a small groupof elite professionals to have won four events, and also becoming snooker’s most successful“international” competitor.282010 vicsport Annual Awards

Victorian WelcomeFemale Athlete of the YearThe Victorian Women’s Amateur Sports Council instituted the ‘Kitty McEwan Sportswoman ofthe Year’ Award in 1974. In 1981, it was incorporated into the Victorian Sport Awards and isawarded to the Victorian female athlete who has achieved outstanding results in respect totheir performances at an international, national or state level.Previous Winners2009 Sharelle McMahon Netball2008 Leisel Jones Swimming2007 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 Aerial Skiing1991 Kirstie Marshall Aerial Skiing1990 Kirstie Marshall Aerial 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 AthleticsProudly Sponsored by:292010 vicsport Annual Awards29

2010 Victorian Victorian Female Sport Athlete Awards of the Summary Year (cont.)NomineesStacey Keating - Golf• Stacey won six out of a possible 16 National Ranking Events between August 2009 and August2010 and finished second in two National Ranking Events.• She is currently ranked number one in the Australian Women’s Amateur Rankings.• Stacey finished first in the 2010 Karrie Webb Series .• Stacey is currently a member of the National Squad and AIS golf scholarship program.• She has been selected to represent Australia in the Trans Tasman Cup Team, the Queen SirikitCup Team as well as the World Amateur Team Championships in 2010.• She won both the WGV June Griffith Averages Trophy and the WGV State Ranking Trophy in2010.• Stacey is also a member of the Victorian State Team in 2010.Alethea Sedgman - Shooting• Alethea had a great 2010 following on from her form in 2009 when she was named WimmeraRegional Sports Star Female of the Year.• At the February Australia Cup she won gold in the Air Rifle and silver in 3P divisions.• In 2010 she won her first Australia Cup in Women’s Air Rifle.• Alethea also won both Air and 3P Australia cups.• Her current Open event World Ranking sees her sitting 68th in the world in Air Rifle, which isthe highest Australian Women Ranking, as well as being ranked 36th in the world in 3P whichmakes her the youngest person in the top 100.Georgia Bonora - Gymnastics• At the 2010 Australian Championships Georgia placed first in Australia and was crowned theSenior International Australian Champion.• Georgia placed first All Around, first Bars, first Floor, 2nd Beam and was the number onecontributor to the Victorian Team that placed first in Australia.• At the 2010 Victorian Championships Georgia also placed first All Around in the SeniorInternational division making her the Senior International Victorian State Champion.• Georgia placed first All around, first Vault, first Beam, second Bars and second Floor.• Georgia was granted a “Gold” Victorian Institute of Sport scholarship in 2010 (the onlygymnast to achieve “Gold”) and has been on a full VIS scholarship in 2006, 2007, 2008,2009 and 2010.Hayley Aitkins - Lifesaving• Hayley is a member of the 2010 Victorian High Performance squad.• At the 2010 Victorian Lifesaving Championships she claimed gold in the Open Female BeachFlags, as well as claiming silver and bronze in the Beach Relay Team and Beach Sprint.• At the 2010 Under Armour Battle of the Beach Series, Hailey was first overall on point scorein the Open Female Beach Flags, as well as first in overall point score in the Open FemaleBeach Sprint.• Hayley also impressed at the 2009-2010 Summer Surf Series, where she finished first overall inthe Open Female Beach Sprint, first overall in the Open Female Beach Flags as well as finishingfirst overall in the Open Female Beach Relay Team.30 2010 vicsport Annual Awards

Victorian WelcomeFemale Athlete of the YearKim Crow - Rowing• At the 2010 Australian Rowing Championships & Interstate Regatta, Kim claimed first place in theOpen Women’s Double Scull, the Open Women’s Quad Scull as well as the Interstate Women’s Eight.• She performed well at the 2010 Rowing Victoria State Championships as well, notching up winsin the Open Women’s Single Scull, the A Grade Women’s Single Scull and the A Grade Women’sEight. She also finished in second place in the Open Women’s Eight.• Kim also competed at the 2010 World Cup 2 claiming third in the Open Women’s Single Scull, andalso at the 2010 World Cup 3 where she finished second in the Open Women’s Double Scull.Lydia Lassila - Aerial Skiing• Lydia confirmed her place as the world’s best female aerial skier as the Olympic Championat Cypress Mountain in Vancouver during February 2010. The 28-year-old set a new Olympicrecord in the process of winning the Gold medal with a seemingly nerveless performance.• At the Deer Valley, USA World Cup Lydia achieved a new World record score of 220.91 points,beating the record previously held by team mate Jacqui Cooper.• Lydia was named the Ski and Snowboard Australia Athlete of the Year in 2010, for the secondconsecutive year.Melissa Barbieri - Soccer• Melissa was this year named Captain of the National Women’s Football side, the Matildas,leading them to victory in the AFC Women’s Asian Cup and qualification for the 2011 FIFAWomen’s World Cup to be held in Germany.• Melissa was also Co-Captain of the Melbourne Victory Women’s team in the WestfieldW-League, Australia’s domestic women’s football competition, during the 2009-10 season andlooks set to line up with the Victory again in 2010-11.• Melissa is a Victorian Institute of Sport scholarship holder for football and Football FederationVictoria was delighted to make her their ‘Female Football Ambassador’ during 2010.Melissa Hitchen-Haw - Sailing• Melissa was selected by the Australian Laser Association to represent her country at the 2010World Laser 4.7 Youth Championships in Thailand in March-April 2010.• At the age of just 14 Melissa was competing in the U16 girls fleet with sailors a year older thanher and more experienced in that type of boat.• In a testament to her sailing skill and ability, in tough conditions (34 degrees, 80% humidity,20 knot winds, a strong tide and big waves) Melissa finished second overall in her first WorldChampionship.• Melissa was selected to the Yachting Victoria Development Squad in July 2010 where shereceives high level coaching, strength and fitness training along with nutrition advice.Prue Watt - Swimming• Prue Watt is a visually impaired athlete who is a member of the VIS Swimming Program andAustralian Paralympics Swimming Squad.• At the 2009 IPC World SC Championships, she claimed gold in the 100m Breaststroke, 200mIndividual Medley and 100m Individual Medley, as well as silver in the 100m Freestyle andbronze in the 100m Butterfly.• At the 2010 Australian SC Championships she claimed silver in the 100m Butterfly and bronzein the 100m Breaststroke.• Prue broke a total of six Australian Records in the 2009-10 swimming season, and was awarded2010 Swimming Victoria President’s Award for most outstanding performance in this season.2010 vicsport Annual Awards31

Victorian Sports Leadership Award –Eunice Gill AwardThis Award, created in 1987, was named The Eunice Gill Award for Sports Management inrecognition of Miss Gill’s outstanding service to sport, both as an administrator and activeparticipant. In 2003 the name of the Award was changed to the Eunice Gill Award for SportsLeadership to better represent the current state of the industry.Previous Winners2009 Ray Allsop Australian Football2008 Neil Morarty Lifesaving2007 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 CricketProudly Sponsored by:NomineesMark Rendell - Football Federation Victoria• Since becoming CEO in 2007, Mark has lifted the professional image and undertakings ofFootball Federation Victoria. His successes in the following areas include: Governance- Developed and launched new Strategic Plan for sport, 2008-11 and delivered a ClubCompliance Policy that has seen all clubs adopting a Constitution. Operational Achievements- Restructured Disciplinary Department; launched a new summer league; launched SportDevelopment program & delivered FFV programs to over 30,000 primary school children in2009. Business Development - Developed events that can be commercialised in future.Peter Schwab - Australian Football• Through Peter’s background which included playing and coaching at the highest level of AFLfootball, he has overseen continued growth in all aspects of the business during his termas CEO of AFL Victoria. Peter has shown outstanding leadership of this organisation overthe last four and half years, improving many areas of the game such as: TAC Cup - the U18competition which has provided on average about 50 per cent of the players drafted into theAFL; the development of the game in Victoria; Multicultural Football; Coach Education; UmpireDevelopment; Facility Development; Community Football; Recreational Football; Auskick;Indigenous Program and Female Football.32 2010 vicsport Annual Awards

Governor’s Award - Sportsperson of the YearIn 1981 Sir Brian Murray granted vicsport permission to name the ‘Sportsman of the Year’,the ‘Governor’s Award.’ The Governor’s Award is presented to the Victorian athlete who hasachieved outstanding sporting performances and has also made a significant contribution tosport as a leader and role model.Previous Winners2009 Sharelle McMahon2008 Jacqui Cooper2007 Glenn Ashby2006 Geoff Ogilvy2005 James Tomkins2004 Alisa Camplin2003 Sarah Fitz-Gerald2002 Alisa CamplinProfile – Sharelle McMahonSharelle McMahon was the 2009 winner of the Governor’sAward for the Sportsperson of the Year. In the 2008/09 seasonshe was captain of the Australian Diamonds and co-captain thepremiership-winning Melbourne Vixens. She had a stellarseason in the ANZ Championship and averaged 25 goals at 84 percent. Sharelle also became the first Victorian, and only the thirdAustralian, to play 100 games for Australia. In this season she wasnamed the Best on Court in the ANZ Championship final, won theMelbourne Vixens Best and Fairest and became the most cappedVictorian player at National/Trans-Tasman level.2010 vicsport Annual Awards33

Awards Panels/Staffvicsport would like to acknowledge the following panel members for their contribution inselecting the recipients of the Best Sports Development Initiative by an affiliated vicsportmember, Best Sports Development Initiative by Industry Associate / Corporate Supportervicsport Member, Award for Best Reporting of an issue relating to Victorian Sport, VicHealthGaze Sporting Conduct Award, Lord Mayor’s Award for Outstanding Contribution to Sport,Victorian Sports Leadership – Eunice Gill Award and the Governor’s Award for Sportspersonof the Year.Ron BongettiNick MooneyJosh PulsShelley MaherLindsay GazeDavid Culbertvicsport Board Membervicsport Board Membervicsport Board MemberVicHealthBasketball Legend and VicHealth board memberOlympian and media personalityvicsport would like to acknowledge the vicsport board for their ongoing contribution and support:Ian Buckingham, Cheryl McKinna, Leeanne Allen, Ron Bongetti, Margot Foster, Naomi Paton,Martin Doulton, Josh Puls and Nick Mooney.In 2010, each affiliated State Sporting Association was given the opportunity to submit nominationsfor the 2010 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 who participated in the nomination and voting process.vicsport would also like to thank the following for their contribution to the 2010 Victorian SportAwards: Crown Entertainment Complex, Monarch Media (presentation and booklets), VictorianState Sporting Associations and Affiliated Members.vicsport StaffMark McAllionNicole BearzattoMax BinningtonAnthony BowdKate DonLeesa GallardMatthew HeinrichFiona KuilboerConnie RasoKevin TangeysAaron TenabelKathy TessierEmily VigonNisha WijesekeraChief Executive OfficerMember Services OfficerSports Education ManagerBusiness Operations ManagerProject OfficerCoaching AdministratorEvent CoordinatorWomen in Sport Project OfficerState Sports Connect CoordinatorSports Connect ConsultantSenior Research OfficerSports Connect ConsultantAccountsProject Officer342010 vicsport Annual Awards

Proudly Sponsored by2010 vicsport Annual Awards35

BACK COVERvicsport - 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