A cash bar is provided for additional beverage purchases
ENTERTAINMENT
Tonight's entertainment features
Thomas Hassall Anglican College
Senior Stage Band and Feature
Piece Musicians
Event Partners
ORDER OF EVENTS
6:30pm
Official Welcome and Housekeeping: Ms. Sarah Ryan, OAM
Acknowledgement of Country: AJ Coles
Official Welcome: Event Host Team Gerry Knights, CEO South West Sydney Academy of Sport
6:40pm Entree Served
7:00pm Guest Speaker - Piper Anderson
Sport Programs Coaches Awards
Presented by: Piper Anderson
QUBE Coach Recognition Awards
Presented by: Denise McGrath, Academy Director
7:30pm Guest Speaker - Todd Blanchfield
Volunteer of the Year Awards
Presented by: Todd Blanchfield
8:00pm Dinner Served
Entertainment provided by Thomas Hassall Anglican College Stage Band
8:40pm All-of-Academy Athlete, Coach and Support Staff Group Photo
8:45pm Special Award Presentation
Presented by Academy Chairperson Peter Campbell and CEO Gerry Knights
Western Sydney University Award for Academic Excellence
Presented by: Academy Director, Prof. Sarah Lewis, Western Sydney
9:00pm Desert Served
Guest Speaker - Apisai Koroisau and Shannon Gallant
Award Partners
ORDER OF EVENTS
9:30pm Raffle Drawn and Silent Auction Winners Announced
9:45pm UAA Indigenous Athlete of the Year Award
Presented by: Mayor Darcy Lound, Mayor of Campbelltown and Deputy Chairperson Michelle Caruso
Athlete with a Disability of the Year
Presented by: Academy Directors Cr Jacqui Jenson and Amanda Coles
Athlete of the Year
Presented by: Academy Directors Cr Jacqui Jenson and Amanda Coles
10:00pm Campbelltown Catholic Club | South West Sydney Academy of Sport
Chairperson Award Nominees and Winner
Announced by Chairperson Peter Campbell of SWSAS, and honoured guests
10:30pm Close of Event
OUR HONOURED GUESTS
ATTENDEES
State Member for Wollondilly
Ms. Judith Hannan MP
Campbelltown Council
Mayor Darcy Lound
Cr. Masud Khalil
Cr. Jayden Rivera
Cr. Masood Chaudhury
Liverpool City Council
Cllr Peter Harle
The Council of Camden
Mayor Ashleigh Cagney
Cr. Elisa Rahman
Cr. Abha Suri
Cr. Vince Ferreri
Wollondilly Shire Council
Deputy Mayor Matthew Deeth
Cr. Jacqui Jenson
OUR HONOURED GUESTS
Acupuncture Works
Mr. Trent Knights, Principal
Ms. Carolyn Knights, Partner
Ms. Lucie Knights
Aceit
Ms. Shona Arcella
Ms. Tracey Batten
Ms. Dawn Gregory
Ms. Leonie Neser
Bingara Gorge
Ms. Kimberley Fairless
Ms. Susan Smith
Ms. Yve Whitehead
Ms. Bridie Kinchin
Bounce Back Physiotherapy
Ms. Lisa Cornell
Mr. Cameron Champion
Council of Camden
Mr. Casli Memed
Ms. Marilyn Oliver
Ms. Dana Spence
Clubs NSW
Ms. Ofa Latu
Mr. Darren Higgins
Ms. Arely Carrion
Eaglevale High School
Mr. Craig Butler
FCA360 Sport Australia
Rev. Jim Dayhew
Ms Cheree Vermeulen
Fit Clinic
Mr. Aaron King, Founder
Mr. Andrew Theodosiou
Ms. Jessica Romeo
Mr. Hadi Youssef
Hoops Capital
Mr. Josh Fellows
Illawarra Hawks
Mr. Joe Tertzakian
Mr. Todd Blanchfield
Kids of Macarthur Foundation
Ms. Denise McGrath
Mr. Peter McGrath
Luke Fuda Films & Photography
Liverpool City Council
Cllr. Peter Harles
Macarthur BMX
Mr. Matthew Thorn
Macarthur Credit Union
Mr. Paul Brooks
NSW Office of Sport
Mr. Pierre Comis
RBI Australia
Mr. Mohi Rameka
Ms. Chantelle Rameka
Mr. Matt Redman
Ms. Kate Redman
South West Voice
Mr. Eric Kontos
Event Partners
The District Reporter
Ms. Lee Abrahams
Mr Noel Lowry
Thomas Hassall Anglican College
Mr. Sonny Makko
Trophymart
Ms. Corinna McNally
Mr. John Keats
Trackfitness Australia
Mr. Emmanuel Fashoyin
Ultramanagement
Mr. Nal Wijesekera
Western Sydney Academy of Sport
Mr. Martin Bullock
Western Sydney University
Prof. Sarah Lewis
Prof. Gregory Kolt
Wests Tigers
Mr. Shannon Gallant
Mr. Giancarlo Lombardo
VIP Guests
Mr. Apisai Koroisau, Wests Tigers
Ms. Piper Anderson, Sydney Flames
Ms. Sarah Ryan, Olympian
Board of Management
Ms. Michelle Caruso
Mr. Peter Campbell
Ms. Amanda Coles
OUR HONOURED GUESTS
APOLOGIES
Ms Anne Stanley, MP Federal Member for Werriwa
The Hon. Angus Taylor, MP Federal Member for Hume
Dr. Mike Freelander MP, Federal Member for Macarthur
Ms. Dai Le MP, Federal Member for Fowler
The Hon. Stephen Kamper MP, NSW Minister for Sport
Ms. Tanya Davies MP, State Member for Badgerys Creek
Mr. Anoulack Chanthivong MP, State Member for Macquarie Fields
Ms. Charisma Kaliyanda MP, State Member for Liverpool
Ms. Tina Ayyad MP, State Member for Holsworthy
Mayor Ned Mannoun, Liverpool City Council
Mayor Matt Gould, Wollondilly Shire Council
Mr. Gino Arcella, Aceit
Mr. Joe Psailia, Sharp EIT Solutions
Mr. David Trodden, NSW Rugby League
Ms. Maria Nordstrom, Basketball NSW
Award Partners
SPORT PROGRAM COACHES AWARD
The Sport Program Coaches Awards are awarded to an athlete within each of the Academy's sport programs.
These awards are presented with the following categories; Best Performing Athlete, Most Valuable, Most Improved, Best Defensive, Merit Award, Next Gen Star, Culture and Commitment and using criteria such as; Attendance, Commitment to Training, Commitment to Education, Commitment to Strength and Conditioning, Promotion of Self and Academy, Future Potential or Ability to improve and grow, and overall Attitude towards the Sport Program to determine the recipient of each award.
The selection of these awards are determined by the head coach within each program.
Subject to squad size, and squads that contain mixed-gender athletes, coaches are asked to nominate athletes to receive an award. Tonight, we recognise those athletes awarded the 2024-2025 Sport Program Coaches Award.
The awardees will be recognised both on stage, and via the Academy Social Media channels throughout the evening.
A full wrap up of the Sport Awards presented this evening will feature in the next Academy e-News, due out mid-September 2025.
QUBE COACH RECOGNITION AWARD
The QUBE Coach Recognition Awards, recognizing our coach and support staffs unparalleled level of service to the development of Youth, Sport and Excellence within our community, and the commitment and influence to coaching athletes of the Academy.
Tonight we also recognise nine coach and support staff who have achieved 3 years of service, five who have achieved 5 years of service, and one incredible coach and support staff member who will be presented with a Platinum award recognising an impressive ten years of service toward athletes within the Academy.
VOLUNTEER OF THE YEAR
Introduced in 2023, the Volunteer of the Year award category is presented in three key volunteer areas; being Support Staff Member of the Year, Young (21&U) Coach of the Year, and Coach of the Year.
These awards recognise our volunteers outstanding high level of leadership and service not just within their respective sport programs, but with coach and support staff peers, and Academy administration and directors.
Including athlete support, coaching staff guidance and mentoring, along with respect, commitment and communication with the Academy, during the program year.
SPECIAL AWARDS
Introduced in 2023, the Academy established a category of awards to recognise outstanding individuals and their service towards the Academy, including Directors, Staff, Partners and Contributors. In 2023 this included the first two Lifetime Achievement Awards, presented to Chairperson Peter Campbell, and CEO Gerry Knights recognising 20 years service to the organisation.
In 2024 this was continued with a Recognition of Service to Governance awarded to a number of outstanding Board Members and Directors.
This year's Special Awards include Recognition of Service to Governance and Administration, to be awarded to a group of outstanding individuals and contributors to the Academy.
WESTERN SYDNEY UNIVERSITY ACADEMIC EXCELLENCE AWARD
The Western Sydney University Academic Excellence Award is presented to one outstanding athlete each year.
This award recognises the athlete's achievements to maintaining a high standard of excellence throughout their sport program, including attendance and participation in training, sports education, strength and conditioning programs and commitment to personal development.
Through an open nomination process, a number of finalists are recognised, with the overall winner determined by a panel of representatives of the University.
The overall winner is also presented with the Academic Excellence Award, along with a $1000 grant from Western Sydney University.
UAA INDIGENOUS PERSON OF THE YEAR
The UAA Indigenous Person of the Year award is presented to an Indigenous Athlete from within the Academy's sport programs, including the UAA Indigenous Athlete Program.
This award recognises the Academy's Indigenous athlete who best meets the criteria of the Chairperson Award, including; Commitment to the Academy
Communication and Relational Development
Demonstrated Leadership
Individual Skill Development
Community and Cultural Citizenship
Event Partners
ATHLETE OF THE YEAR
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport, Athlete of the Year Award was established in 2008 and is presented annually.
Between 2008 until 2022, the Athlete of the Year award was awarded alongside the Chairperson Award, in recognition of the athletes outstanding achievements.
In 2023 the Athlete of the Year award criteria changed slightly, recognising the Athlete of the Year with their own acknowledgement, and also recognising the Academy's Athlete with Disability (AWD) Athlete of the Year.
The Athlete with a Disability (AWD) Athlete of the Year Award is awarded to the highest achieving AWD athlete from across all of the Academy's sport programs, and is based on athletic performance and or podium success.
The Athlete of the Year and is awarded to a high achieving athlete, based on athletic performance and or podium success.
Subject to the depth of incredible talent within the Academy athletes gaining State, National and International recognition, a number of finalists are selected based on information provided through an open nomination process, as well as any additional information on an athlete's performance available to the Academy within the program year.
Each Finalist will be presented with an Athlete Achievement Award recognising their achievement.
A panel is then established to determine the winner.
The criteria to be considered for this award includes;
Podium success at an International or National event.
Highest level of sporting achievement and success within the squad, or potential to achieve National selection.
Athletic ability and progression shown within the Academy program in line with program framework and SSO targets.
Demonstrated high level of attendance.
Demonstrated high level of Academy representation including branding, values and meeting program commitments.
The winner in 2025, will receive exclusive one on one mentoring to the value of $1000 from Academy partner Mindset and Performance Partners.
Award Partners
CHAIRPERSON AWARD
The 'Campbelltown Catholic Club' South West Sydney Academy of Sport, Chairperson Award, was established in 1998 and is presented annually to an outstanding Athlete in recognition of the virtues of the Academy.
This award is designed to recognise the athlete who most embodies the characteristics and development aims of the Academy. The identified athlete will be selected from across all Academy sport programs. The Campbelltown Catholic Club, South West Sydney Academy of Sport Chairperson Award is the most prestigious award an Academy Athlete may receive during their time at the Academy, and even to be nominated for this award places them in the Top 4% of Athletes within the Academy.
The criterion for consideration includes:
Commitment to the Academy
Degree to which the athlete has embraced the Academy and its core values
Communication and Relational Development
Relationship with peers and staff, effectively communicates
Demonstrated Leadership
Positive example through words and actions, assists others achieve their goals
Individual Skill Development
Active role in developing all facets of sporting performance
Community Citizenship
Level of respect and responsibility in training, interaction with coaches, umpires and peers
Previous Winners include:
1998 ~ Patrick Donachie
1999 ~ James Darby & Nicole Boyles
2000 ~ Nathan Cain & Tenille Peronis
2001 ~ Jeff Hunt & Melanie Browne
2002 ~ Sam Pearson & Jamie Blewitt
2003 ~ Tate Elliott
2004 ~ Josh White
2005 ~ Danielle Hemingway
2006 ~ Kirsty May
2007 ~ Kellie White
2008 ~ Emily Chalker (Smith)
2009 ~ Kayne Kajan
2010 ~ Julia McCann
2011 ~ Brooke Lawrence
2012 ~ Mason Rossi
2013 ~ Kara Styles
2014 ~ Ben Clapham
2015 ~ Jessica Cronje
2016 ~ Jessica Cronje & Blake Jackson
2017 ~ Harrison Pudner
2018 ~ Nakeisha Brimble
2019 ~ Rory Southwell
2020 ~ Not Awarded
2021 ~ Thomas Noakes
2022 ~ Ryan Carter & Thomas Noakes
2023 ~ Max Brown-Tjakuapi
The greater majority of these athletes have gone on to represent Australia Nationally, or Internationally.
SILENT AUCTION
Queensland Maroons Game 3 2025 State of Origin Signed JerseyDonated by QLD Rugby League
NSWRL 2025 Game 1 Signed State of Origin Blues Jersey - Donated by NSW Rugby League
Canterbury Bulldogs Signed NRL Jersey - Donated by Canterbury Bulldogs
Wests Tigers Signed NRL Jersey
Sydney Roosters Signed NRL Jersey - Donated by Sydney Roosters
St George Illawarra Dragons Signed NRL Jersey - Donated by St George Dragons
Gold Coast Titans Signed NRL Jersey - Donated by Gold Coast Titans
Walkinshaw Andretti Motorsport Pack (Outerwear Jacket and Cap)
NSW Swifts Signed Indigenous Playing Dress - Donated by Netball NSW
Macarthur FC Signed Jersey - Donated by Macarthur FC
Western Sydney Wanderers Signed Jersey - Donated by Western Sydney Wanderers
GWS Giants Signed First Nations Match Ball - Donated by Netball NSW
6 Month Membership to Oran Park Leisure Centre - Donated by Camden Council
Newcastle Knights Padded Travel Jacket
4 Players at Lakeside Golf Club Camden, including use of shared golf carts - Donated by Wests Group Macarthur
Tickets to Just For Laughs All Stars Gala (Sydney Opera House)Donated by AB Presents
Illawarra Hawks Merchandise
Sydney Flames Game Worn Jersey - Donated by Hoops Capital Chairpersons Cellar Package - Donated by Peter Campbell
Please note that some items carry reserve prices on them. This will be displayed on the item bidding sheet.
The South West Sydney Academy of Sport reserves the right to withdraw items from the auction at any time, and has the final determination on whether a bid is successful or not.
Event Partners
RAFFLE PRIZE DRAW
FitClinic Gym Pass and Program Membership
Bounce Back Athlete Development Pathway Membership
6 Month All Access Membership - Belgravia Wollondilly
Family Mario Kart Games Hamper
Family Sports Games Hamper
Zebra Fitness Australia Fitness Pack
Silver Filled Rose Gold and Mother of Pearl Bracelet
Silver, Pearl and CZ Ladies Dress Ring
RBI Baseball Package
$100 Sports Headz Voucher
$100 Bellbird Restaurant (Liverpool)
$100 Mecca Cosmetics Voucher
Mr Riggs Wine and Picnic Hamper
T2 Premium Teas Pack
SupaTool 105 Piece Took Kit + Stanley Jnr Kids Tools
Resistance Band and Slimline Waist Pack
GWS Giants AFL Training Tee Shirt
Sydney Thunder Tee Shirt
Red Bull Racing Team (Supercars) Cap
$50 Teen Gift Card
Raffle Tickets will be available for purchase throughout the evening:
$5 each
3 tickets for $10
8 tickets for $20
25 tickets for $50
All proceeds go towards the Academy's 2026 Athlete Support Programs
Tickets will be drawn in random order. The first ticket drawn will win the major prize.
All remaining tickets will be noted and can claim a prize in order by visiting the raffle table until all prizes have been claimed.
