Kay Lin Meacco 

Kay Lin is a teacher and student at the Whitehorse School Of Physical Culture. She was crowned national champion for the open 25-27 years age group at the ‘Grand Champion Girl’ dance competition at the Sydney Opera House in November 2022. She will be defending her title at the same competition later this year.

A midwife and personal trainer by day, and a dedicated dance teacher and student by night, Kay Lin practices her routines to perfection every single day. Her commitment to her craft is admirable and junior dance members look up to her. The club describes her as “an incredible role model and ambassador for the sport and our club.”

Michael Ginaylo

Michael is a rising star in martial arts and has dominated Jiu Jitsu and Judo competitions across Australia in the past two years, winning six gold medals. He’s the current state champion and he also won the National Schools Championship on the Gold Coast.

Along with his success in competition, Michael supports and encourages his teammates and patiently guides younger students who are starting out. He’s always keen to share his knowledge and skills with others.

Col Pearse

Col, a member of the Nunawading Swimming Club, represented Australia at the World Para Swimming Championships in the UK in August. He won two medals – a Silver in the 200m Individual Medley, and Bronze in the 100m Butterfly.

According to the club, Pearse’s influence “resonates far beyond his individual achievements, inspiring countless others who know, follow and appreciate him.

“Regardless of the challenges he faces, Col's unwavering positivity serves as a beacon of encouragement, creating an uplifting atmosphere that transcends competition and lifts all around him,” the club wrote.

Nunawading Spectres Under 14.1 Girls (Basketball)

The Spectres’ Under 14.1 Girls team won Silver at the National Junior Classic and qualified for Australian Club Championships, which were held in September.

The team’s focus is not just on skills development and winning, but how the girls play and support each other, on and off the court. 
They bounce in and out of each of their training sessions with huge smiles and foster in each other the love of the game and a commitment to hard work.

Dave Ramsdale

Dave took over as coach of Blackburn Football Club’s over-35s women’s team after they finished bottom of the ladder with just one win in 2022. He embraced the challenge and took the team to the top of the ladder in 2023 and into the finals for the first time.

The team has two deaf players and women from many different backgrounds, and Dave fostered an inclusive environment where all players and volunteers are valued. He has also taken a leadership role within the club’s women’s program, providing support and direction to the women’s 18+ coaches and volunteers. 

Simone Hallett 

Simone has attained accreditation as a statistician for various prestigious basketball leagues including FIBA, NBL, WNBL, NBL1 and Big V. Her involvement in the appointment process for referees, statisticians and scorers demonstrates her commitment to fair and efficient administration. 

Simone also holds roles as statistician convenor and a volunteer commissioner. These all attest to her exceptional performance and unwavering commitment to upholding strong governance in the sport of basketball.

Emmaus College

The College, which has campuses in Vermont South and Burwood, has had great success promoting school sport achievements on Instagram. It encourages students to share their achievements and to be proud in their abilities.

The College’s Health and Physical Education department deliver rich practical lessons that cater to all students' abilities. They also provide safe spaces (such as a sensory room) at their sports carnivals

Melissa Collard

Mel has dedicated countless hours mentoring junior players and coaches at Whitehorse Colts Junior Football and Netball Club. She also serves as its uniform co-ordinator and manages the club’s social media channels.

In addition, Mel has worked endlessly to improve facilities for our local netballers, securing funding from the Victorian Government to build a public access netball court at Springfield Park. Her work for this project is a testament to her drive to increase participation and inclusion in the sport.

Blackburn Orioles Baseball Club

The Orioles have had an amazing 12 months on and off the field, with two premierships and a surge in junior participation. Their achievements include:

• U12 and Masters 45+ State League Premierships
• U18 State League Runners-Up
• U12 Metro League 1st, 2nd and 3rd place (of 12 teams)

One of the club’s junior coordinators, Tanneale Marshall, was also named Baseball Victoria’s Volunteer of the Year.

Amongst other initiatives, the club’s decision to reduce junior fees to $50 per player or $100 per family for under 18s led to a 20 per cent increase in junior players last summer.