Ipswich’s sporting best vie for top honours

Staff Writers

THE Ipswich region’s top athletes, coaches and volunteers have been named as finalists in the 2025 Ipswich Sports Awards, showcasing talent across 31 different sports.

From darts to diving, rugby to rowing, the finalists reflect the depth of grassroots and elite sporting strength in the region.

Eight major awards will be handed out at a gala ceremony at Ipswich Civic Centre on October 29, with winners pocketing $2,000 each.

Finalists include:

Volunteer of the Year: Cristelle Mulvogue (Australian football), Lorraine Owens (Pickleball), Toni Caldwell (Basketball).

Coach of the Year: Cody Ellem-Allen (Rowing), Diane Sheppard (Athletics), Thomas Harris (Swimming).

Team of the Year: Tigers Softball Masters Men, Ipswich Basketball Association U14 Girls, Ipswich Basketball Association U14 Boys.

Official of the Year: Stephen Rogers (Hockey), Amanda Bedford (Swimming), Craig Harte (Indoor cricket), Amelia Brockie (Basketball).

Sporting Organisation of the Year: Ipswich Grammar Swimming Club, Ipswich & District Athletics Club Inc, Collingwood Park Power AFC, Western Spirit Football Club.

Masters Sportsperson of the Year: Jeanette Dowd (Archery), Ganga Prasad (Athletics), Rob Chrzescijanski (Swimming).

Junior Sportsperson of the Year: Chase Oberle (Golf), Piper Howard (Diving), Holyee-Ann Jackson (BMX Racing), Isabela Hoyos (Football), Gout Gout (Athletics), Mackenzie O’Connor (Haidong Gumdo, karate, dance), Natalia Woolley (Indoor netball, outdoor netball, volleyball), Daniel Phillips (Athletics), Tiah Walsh (Darts), Mia Kertesz (Athletics, cross country, triathlon, swimming, netball).

Senior Sportsperson of the Year: Blake Murray (Haidong Gumdo, taekwondo, judo), Jude Thomas (Athletics), Shalom Sauaso (Rugby league, rugby union), Michelle O’Roarty (Swimming).

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