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Minjee Lee Finally Claims WA Sport Star Crown
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WA golf superstar Minjee Lee has broken through to claim the 2025 WA Sport Star award after a phenomenal year which saw her claim her third victory in a Major.
The Royal Fremantle Golf Club product claimed the coveted golden trophy in her 10th year of being a finalist, with her first nomination coming back in 2014.
Lee enjoyed a resurgent season in 2025, bouncing back from some lean years to beat the field and win the Women’s PGA Championship in June and climb to No.3 in the world rankings.
She also led Australia to a first ever International Crown title in October, where she was named MVP, and won the Greg Norman Medal for the fourth time as Australia’s leading golfer.
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Junior Sport Star | Mia Kretzer
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Mia Kretzer is redefining what’s possible in Australian skateboarding. At just 11 years old, she holds a world ranking of 7th in Women’s Vert and is ranked 2nd nationally. Mia’s talent has taken her to the global stage, where she competed in the X Games summer rounds and made the top four finals in Osaka.
She also placed 4th overall at Tony Hawk’s International Vert Alert and claimed multiple national titles, including first place at the Mazda Action Sports and Rumble Skateboarding Australian Open.
With her fearless style and consistent podium finishes, Mia is a rising star destined for international acclaim.
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Team of the Year | Perth Thundersticks Women
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The Perth Thundersticks Women have rewritten the history books in HockeyOne, becoming the first team to claim back-to-back premierships in the league’s history. After an unbeaten run in 2024, they returned in 2025 to secure another gold medal, overcoming a challenging season with grit and determination. Their finals campaign was nothing short of spectacular, capped by a 4–2 Grand Final victory over Hockey Club Melbourne.
Featuring a roster of Hockeyroos stars and emerging talent, the Thundersticks combine world-class skill with a fierce team spirit. Their success underscores Western Australia’s dominance in domestic hockey and its vital role in shaping future national representatives.
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RSM Australia Coach of the Year | Ritchie Smith
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Ritchie Smith stands among the world’s most respected golf coaches, shaping the careers of elite players on the global stage. His guidance was pivotal in Australia’s triumph at the Hanwha International Crown in South Korea, where Minjee Lee and Hannah Green—both coached by Ritchie—secured victory against the world’s best. Minjee climbed to world No. 3, claimed her third major title, and earned the Rolex Annika Major Award, while Hannah delivered consistent top finishes and a crucial win for the team. Ritchie also mentors Min Woo Lee, Elvis Smylie, and Ryan Peake, driving success across PGA and international tours. Twice named
Australian High Performance Coach of the Year, Ritchie is celebrated for his technical mastery, mentorship, and unwavering dedication to excellence.
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ActiveXchange Official of the Year | Rosario Corvaia
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Rosario Corvaia has officiated at the very pinnacle of world tennis, bringing precision and professionalism to the sport’s most prestigious events.
His expertise spans all four Grand Slam tournaments - Australian Open, Roland Garros, Wimbledon, and the US Open—where he has served in multiple roles including Chair Umpire, Line Umpire, and Review Official.
Rosario’s commitment to excellence has also been recognised at ATP Challengers, Davis Cup, and ITF events. Honoured at the Tennis West Awards for his outstanding contribution, Rosario continues to set the global standard for officiating.
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Service to Sport May Campbell Medallists
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Last night at the 2025 WA Sport Awards, we proudly honoured three extraordinary West Australians whose collective contribution to our sporting community spans close to two centuries. Gaye Teede (Netball), Brett Woolfitt (Rowing) and Tom Hoad (Water Polo) were formally presented with the prestigious May Campbell Medal, recognising their distinguished and enduring service to sport in Western Australia.
Their legacies are woven deeply into the fabric of their respective sports — shaping pathways, strengthening communities, and inspiring generations of athletes, coaches and administrators. Each has spent decades championing participation, excellence and opportunity, leaving an impact that stretches far beyond the playing arena.
SportWest CEO, Troy Kirkham, said the heartfelt dedication of this year’s medallists reflects a deep love for their sport and the communities they’ve shaped.
“These three outstanding West Australians have given decades of service, not for recognition, but for the love of their sport and the people within it. Their impact can be seen in every athlete they’ve mentored, every program they’ve strengthened and every community they’ve helped grow. SportWest is honoured to celebrate their remarkable contribution to our sporting landscape,” Mr Kirkham said.
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CITS Sport Administrator of the Year | Hayden Marchetto
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Hayden Marchetto has redefined inclusion in Australian Rules Football. As Executive Officer of WAAAFA, Hayden has grown the organisation from its embryonic stage to delivering 19 programs statewide, supporting over 170,000 attendees in FY25.
His leadership has created pathways for athletes with disabilities through initiatives like WA Blind AFL, She Can Play, and Auskick Wheelchair. Hayden’s impact extends beyond football—he champions diversity through industry panels, regional outreach, and employment pathways for people with disabilities.
Under his guidance, WAAAFA earned the Telstra Best of Business Award for WA in Building Communities, cementing its role as a leader in inclusive sport.
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Hyundai Sport Initiative of the Year | Pause for Life
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Pause for Life is a groundbreaking wellness initiative targeting peri-menopausal and menopausal women, a demographic often overlooked in sport.
Combining paddling with education, fitness, and mental wellbeing workshops, the program empowers women to embrace active lifestyles while breaking cultural and social barriers.
With partnerships like BetterMe and strong community engagement, Pause for Life is transforming lives and positioning Paddle WA as a leader in inclusive sport and holistic health.
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revolutioniseSPORT Community Club of the Year | Hamersley Rovers Junior Football Club
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Hamersley Rovers JFC is more than a football club - it’s a community where families feel supported and children thrive. In 2025, the club registered 676 players, achieved its highest-ever female participation, and introduced programs like Girls Lil Hammers to create safe pathways for young girls.
Hamersley champions True Sport principles through mental health workshops, inclusive policies, and wellbeing initiatives. From fee support for families in hardship to boot exchanges and cultural inclusion, Hamersley is setting the benchmark for care, resilience, and leadership in community sport.
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Community Sporting Event of the Year | Fuel To Go and Play Association Championships
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Held over the WA Day long weekend, the Fuel To Go & Play Association Championships is one of WA’s largest community sporting events. In 2025, the event welcomed 318 teams from 48 WA associations and 17 Singaporean teams, with over 4,100 participants competing across 47 divisions.
From juniors to masters, and inclusive divisions for boys and all abilities, this event is a celebration of diversity and participation. With talent identification, umpire development, and a West Coast Fever home game experience, the Championships deliver pathways and unforgettable memories for thousands of players and families.
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Organisation of the Year | Football Futures Foundation
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Football Futures Foundation is rewriting the standards of inclusion in WA sport.
In just one year, the organisation expanded its workforce by 500%, launched WA’s first representative team for athletes with intellectual disability, and pioneered Australia’s first cerebral palsy girls football program.
With programs reaching 1,885 participants who collectively speak over 80 languages, Football Futures Foundation is creating pathways where none existed before.
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Road Safety Commission Best on Road Award | Samantha Saffioti
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Roleystone Junior Football Club has turned tragedy into action. Following the devastating loss of her son Tom in a crash involving a P-plate driver, Club President Samantha Saffioti spearheaded the campaign for Tom’s Law, which limits red P-plate drivers to one passenger.
Samantha also launched the Red Plate, One Mate initiative and developed a Player Driving Policy adopted by the club. Her advocacy extended statewide, influencing licensing reforms and creating resources for clubs to promote safe driving.
Through workshops, education sessions, and partnerships, Samantha Saffioti and the Roleystone JFC is shaping a culture of responsibility among young drivers.
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Camera House Leederville Sport Image of the Year | Elyse Hudson
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Elyse Hudson captured Ebony Stevenson from the Perth Wheelcats, as she bent backwards in pursuit of the ball during the Women's National Wheelchair Basketball League Semi-Final.
What could be more representative of WA Sporting Excellence than the WAIS Young Athlete of the Year – Ebony Stevenson - in action for our Perth Wheelcats.
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Sideline Behaviour Workshop for State Sporting Associations |
Strengthening Sideline Culture and Leadership through Respect in Sport
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As part of the True Sport Sideline Behaviour Initiative, SportWest, in partnership with the WA State Government, is delivering the Club Respect Workshop for State Sporting Associations (SSAs) ahead of the winter season. This session equips SSA leaders with practical tools, frameworks and strategies to take back to their clubs to support positive sideline
behaviour and stronger club culture.
Delivered by Club Respect, this interactive workshop provides clear and practical guidance on how to build and sustain a culture of respect across club environments — from committee and leadership groups through to coaches, players and spectators. Using the A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Framework (“The Game Plan”), participants will work through structured elements designed to help clubs assess their current culture and identify clear actions for improvement.
Date: Thursday 12 March 2026 Venue: Multifunction Room, Sport HQ | 203 Underwood Ave, Floreat Time: 9.30am-12pm Details: Morning tea included Registration: Closes at 11:59pm, Tuesday 10 March 2026 Cost: SportWest Member Organisations free. Non-members $50.
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| Register Online
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Sideline Behaviour Workshop for State Sporting Associations |
Strengthening sideline culture and building respect at club level
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As part of the True Sport Sideline Behaviour Initiative, SportWest, in partnership with the WA State Government, is delivering the Club Respect Workshop to support clubs ahead of the winter season. This practical session equips club leaders with the tools and confidence to foster positive sideline behaviour and embed a strong culture of respect throughout their
organisation.
Delivered by Club Respect, this interactive workshop provides clear and practical guidance on how to build and sustain a culture of respect across all areas of club life — including committees, coaches, players, volunteers and spectators. Using the A.W.E.S.O.M.E. Framework (“The Game Plan”), participants will work through structured elements designed to assess their current club culture and identify clear, achievable actions for improvement.
Date: Thursday 12 March 2026 Venue: Department of Creative Industries, Tourism and Sport | 246 Vincent Street, Leederville Time: 6.00pm-8.00pm Details: Catering will be provided Registration: Closes at 11:59pm, Tuesday 10 March 2026 Cost: Free for Clubs affiliated to a SportWest Member
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Respectful Relationships in Sport & Recreation Workshop | Join Us
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SportWest, in partnership with Starick, invites clubs and organisations to take part in the first workshop of the Respectful Relationships in Sport & Recreation Program on Tuesday, 10 March 2026.
This interactive session will help leaders, coaches, and volunteers build safer, more inclusive environments by deepening understanding of respectful behaviours, gendered drivers of violence, and practical strategies to strengthen club culture.
If your sporting organisation is committed to positive change and fostering a welcoming community for all, this is a session not to miss.
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| Register Online
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