Published on Monday, 13 November 2023 at 11:27:55 AM
Hedland’s sporting legends were recognised on Friday evening at the 2023 Town of Port Hedland and BHP Community Sports Awards with Australian netball veteran Natalie Medhurst joining sponsors for the presentations.
Celebrating local talent, ambition and the contribution of individuals and groups over the past 12 months, this year more than 90 nominations were received for nearly 60 nominees across the nine categories.
Mayor Peter Carter said the record number of nominations was testament to the vital role that sport and recreation played in building a strong, connected community.
“Sporting organisations make Hedland an active, welcoming and liveable town, with strong volunteer support that facilitates competitions, creates community connections and raises aspirations for young people,” he said.
“The Town is committed to supporting local sports across Hedland by providing facilities that promote growth and improve health outcomes.”
The 2023 Award winners were:
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Domino’s Sportswoman of the Year - Rebecca Amy
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Domino’s Sportsman of the Year - Anthony Tipping
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ITOCHU Junior Sportswoman of the Year - Isabella Amy
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ITOCHU Junior Sportsman of the Year - Clay Thompson
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Domino’s Official/Umpire of the Year - Cath Widdup
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Domino’s Coach of the Year - Michelle Cockie
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Horizon Power Volunteer of the Year - Kate McLarty
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Pilbara Ports Authority Service to Sport - Thomas Bennett
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Domino’s Sporting Group of the Year - Port Hedland Netball Association
The Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries collated 330 nominations from each Local Government Sports Awards and the winners of the 2023 Pilbara Regional Sports Awards were also presented on the night.
The 2023 Pilbara Regional Sports Awards winners from Hedland include:
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Pilbara Regional Official of the Year Award - Cath Widdup
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Pilbara Regional Volunteer - Kate McLarty
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Special Commendation - Clay Thompson
Mayor Carter congratulated all the award nominees and winners, and acknowledged the commitment and dedication of club leaders and members.
“Congratulations to all the winners and nominees - these awards not only recognise significant sporting success, but also the efforts of our community who work hard to make Hedland a place we are all proud to call home,” he said.
“We thank all the sporting clubs across Hedland for continuing to strengthen our community – for many newcomers to Hedland these clubs are often a way for people to make connections with community.”
BHP Rail General Manager Warren Wellbeloved said the event, supported through the Town of Port Hedland and BHP’s three-year Events Partnership, enhances community connection, and celebrates community excellence.
“The Community Sports Awards provide the opportunity for us to celebrate the significant achievements of Hedland’s local sporting teams and individuals, but more importantly it brings us together as a community,” Mr Wellbeloved said.
“Whether you’re a sportsperson, a volunteer, an official, or a coach – these efforts contribute to making Hedland such a great place to live and work.”
The Awards were supported by Principal Partner BHP alongside Department of Local Government, Sport and Cultural Industries, Domino’s, Horizon Power, ITOCHU, and Pilbara Ports Authority.
In recognition of the achievement and contributions of the Hedland sporting community, individual award winners received $1,000 and the Sporting Group of the Year received $2,000.
Media Enquiries
Town of Port Hedland, Public Affairs Team
Email: media@porthedland.wa.gov.au
Phone: (08) 9158 9300
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